Community

Bangladeshi Academic Community in Qatar (BACQ) under the patronage of Bangladesh embassy in Doha organised an ‘Academic Excellence Award Ceremony’ recently. Five distinguished faculty were presented with crests for their academic excellence. They are Dr Khaled Khan, Dr Anwarul Hasan, Dr Shahriar Saadullah and Dr Mizanur Rahman from Qatar University, and Dr Rubayet Hasan from Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar. Bangladesh Community Qatar (BCQ) was presented with a crest for engagements contributing to the betterment of the community in Qatar and Bangladesh Forum Qatar (BFQ) for its active role in promoting business and investment opportunities in Bangladesh. The academics and BCQ president engineer Anwar Hossain Akon and BFQ president Mohamed Shafiqul Islam received the crests from Bangladesh ambassador Mohamed Jashim Uddin. The envoy thanked the Bangladeshi diaspora in Qatar for their contributions. Other speakers at the ceremony highlighted the potential areas of collaboration between educational institutions in Bangladesh and Qatar. They also underlined the role of Bangladeshi diaspora in enhancing people-to-people contact. Around 100 members of the Bangladeshi academic community in Qatar attended the event.

Scholar and crossword creator, visiting professor at QF partner Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) Dr. Leonard Williams, offers a unique way to explore key concepts in political science with the publication of his latest book of puzzles, titled Black Blocks, White Squares: Crosswords with an Anarchist Edge (AK Press, 2021). Offering fifty-one themed crossword puzzles in one bound collection, his book features the history, philosophy, and rise of anarchism, a political ideology that began in 19th century France, and which continues to impact world events today. “People often associate the word with the literal definition, meaning chaos, disorder, and lawlessness. But as I teach in my political science courses, anarchism is an ideological tradition with deep historical roots, one that emphasizes social cooperation and community-based leadership and care,” he said. But puzzle solvers won’t need a Georgetown degree to enjoy the book. Dr. Williams has included the solutions and “Constructor’s Notes” that explain the ideas behind each puzzle. The evolution of the crossword puzzle from a simple grid of squares and word definition clues to a complex and educational art form enjoyed through clubs, conventions, and online communities, is why the hobby that began in his youth has endured, explained Dr. Williams. His puzzles have been published by such publications as the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, and GAMES Magazine. “Crosswords have become more relevant over time, using contemporary language, references, and poetic wordplay. So combining my academic interests in political ideology with my interest in crossword puzzles for my latest publication was a natural fit,” he said. Widely published for his scholarly work, Dr. Williams said his themes and clues are often inspired by his research, bits of conversation, or items in the news. “When a word or idea captures my imagination, I make a note of it so I can come back to it to see whether a puzzle can be constructed out of it.” Through his crosswords, Dr. Williams offers a fascinating study of human society through a medium that also teaches verbal fluency, enhances learning, and encourages community engagement, while welcoming a new audience to the study of international affairs. Dr. Williams received his Ph.D. from Ohio State University and joined GU-Q from Manchester University in Indiana, U.S., where he held the positions of Dean Emeritus of the College of Education & Social Sciences and Professor Emeritus of Political Science. His most recent publications include the co-edited Anarchism: A Conceptual Approach (Routledge), and Political Theory: Classic and Contemporary Readings, 2nd edition (Oxford University Press).

 Qatar Urangattiri Pravasi Association (QUPA), a Kerala expatriate forum, elected new office-bearers for 2021-2022. Rafeeq Aboobacker Moorkanad is the new president, Nithin Domi Panambilav general secretary and Faisal Ibrahim Thekkumuri treasurer. The other officials are Abdul Nasar (Alnas) and Sudheer Thekkummuri - vice presidents; Uvais Vadakkumuri and Ahmed Niyas Moorkanad - secretaries; Yunus Akkaraparamb and Basheer Pariyarath - advisory members; Anees Babu Edakkattuparamb, Amjad Khan Kallarattikkal, Shoukathali Palathupara, Yunus Moorkanad, Anil Thorakamb, Shameem Kinaradappan, Sulaiman Therattamnmal, and Shafin Moorkanad - executive members.    

An online orientation class for adolescent students on mobile phone misuses, cybercrimes and its solutions, organised by Noble International School, was led by renowned Indian Police Service officer Rishiraj Singh. The former director general of police (prison and correction) of the southern state of Kerala, discussed various forms of mobile addiction from mild games and cartoons to criminal and lethal software with high school and higher secondary school students. Singh also presented remedial measures against mobile addiction.    

The Qatari Authors Café at Qatar University (QU) recently held a weekly episode under the title 'Historical Glimpses of Culture and Arts in Qatar'. The event was organised by the Department of Culture and Arts in the Student Activities Department in co-operation with the Qatar Authors Forum. Well known artist Dr Saad Burshid spoke on the early days of Qatari culture, which he said dates back to the era of the founder, and is an extension of the ancient Arab-Islamic culture. "The Qatari people are closely linked to their Arab-Islamic culture, and it is a conservative society. Therefore, culture in Qatar was limited to the arts of poetry and rhetoric. The founder, Sheikh Jassim bin Muhammad al-Thani, was a poet, storyteller and judge who collected all the cultural arts during his reign. Thus, his poetry has often been cited in Qatar during its modern history and until today. “There are purely Qatari arts, such as the art of Al-Ardah, which is one of the ancient and inherited folk arts, and the art of Al-Muradah. There are other arts that have been associated with certain environments, such as “Al-Nahma”, where the nahma was associated with the sea. It is one of the folk arts associated with pearl fishing bearings to ease the difficulties of sailors and enable them, by repeating it, to carry the heavy weight of the bearings. The bearings are carried by 20 men chanting a single musical sound and helps them bear the weight.” Dr Burshid spoke about the emergence of schools in Qatar since the beginning of the 20th century through the establishment of a religious school by the ruler of Qatar. Later, the Qatar Primary School Al-Hamdiya was founded by the founder’s grandson, but the educational stage did not start until the fifties, when an active educational movement emerged after Qatar opened up to its Arab surroundings, and cultural and sports clubs appeared with Arab names linked to the Arab liberation movement and the national tide, such as: Al-Uruba Club, Al-Wahda Club, and Al-Tahrir. There was a strong desire among Qatari youth to gain more knowledge on Arab culture and education and not focus on sports clubs only. "The educational and cultural activities in Qatar during the sixties and seventies culminated in great and unlimited support after the independence of Qatar, which we witness today as Qatar has become a cultural and sports beacon at the global level." Professor Abdullah Hamed al-Mulla, director of Student Activities, said: “We at Qatar University are pleased with this distinguished co-operation with the Qatar Authors Forum, which resulted in the establishment of the 'Authors Café' cultural platform. It represents a great opportunity for our students and the university community in general to learn about various ideas and opinions, and have constructive dialogue in matters of culture, thought, literature and the arts of all kinds."    

The Primary Wing of DPS-Monarch International School celebrated its first annual day abiding by the Covid-19 protocols. Indian embassy first secretary (culture and education) Sachin Dinkar Shankpal was the chief guest and Mrs India 2021 Queen of Substance Priyanka Bajaj Sibal was the guest of honour. The event was also streamed live on the school's Facebook page and YouTube channel for the whole school community to witness. Management officials were present on the occasion. Principal Meenal Bakshi presented a report. The annual day production 'Hensel and Gretel' was staged by students of Grade I -V. The chief guest released the school Yearbook, ‘Reflections 2020-21’.    

Offering the first in-person opportunity to reconnect and network with other graduates since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, Qatar Foundation partner Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) hosted its annual 'Welcome to the Neighbourhood' event. Held outside GU-Q’s main entrance on the landscaped grounds of Education City’s Oxygen Park, the event brought together both old and new graduates in support of the university’s commitment to forge a close-knit alumni community in Qatar. The evening event opened with an address from GU-Q dean Dr Clyde Wilcox. "Through the dedication and hard work of our faculty, students and staff, the university has overcome so many challenges during these extraordinary times,” he said, adding: “So, it is wonderful to reconnect in person with our growing alumni community through this event, and to continue our goal of encouraging alumni engagement that creates bonds of friendship and opportunities for professional networking.” The return to campus inspired a sense of excitement that was broadly shared among attending alumni, who enjoyed a light reception and refreshments at the meet-and-greet. International History graduate and multiple academic honours recipient Murchhana Dash, now a full-time research assistant at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, said “I really appreciated the effort that went into organising an in-person alumni event that brought us all back together at GU-Q. This was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with classmates we haven’t seen since before the pandemic, and a chance to meet returning alumni from previous graduating classes.” In her current role, Dash is working on a project studying the role of the public sector in empowering women in Qatar and the region. Now a research intern at the Centre for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies, Abeedah Diab said she welcomed the chance to share an evening with her former classmates, and to expand her professional networks. “Although this is the first time I’ve been able to visit GU-Q since the pandemic, I’ve had the opportunity to meet several Georgetown graduates through my professional work. This alumni event has been another great reminder that we continue to stay connected beyond our shared undergraduate experience, no matter where our journey takes us.” Diab graduated with honours with a degree in International History. She also pursued a Certificate in Arab and Regional Studies. Since the first class of 2009, more than 600 GU-Q graduates have joined a growing global community of over 160,000 Georgetown alumni and have pursued successful careers in a range of industries, including the oil and gas sectors, communication, international affairs, education and research, and more. The Georgetown University Alumni Association of Doha also organises several social events and networking opportunities for alumni throughout the year.    

The final stage of Qatar University College of Engineering (QU-CENG) 12th Life is Engineering Programme (LIEP) concluded recently. The final race was the culmination of the six-month-long project which saw the participation of 11 high schools. The race and award ceremony were conducted in the presence of CENG dean Dr Khalid Kamal Naji, and CENG Mechanical and Industrial Engineering (MIE) Department Head Prof Elsadig El Mahdi, as well as CENG faculty and high school teachers, students and parents. In his remarks, Dr Naji highlighted the main objective of QU 12th LIEP which is represented in simplifying the main rules of STEM subjects and motivating Qatari students to join CENG in order to lead the engineering and industrial sector in the country and discover the wide field of opportunities beyond that. Prof El Mahdi explained that the participating students attended several workshops and sessions on design, and were trained by CENG's experienced engineers and faculty members who transferred different technical skills. "The main objective beyond this programme is to prepare highly effective engineers who can contribute to the development and progress of Qatar.”    

Zannoon Junaid, a Grade 3 student of Ideal Indian School won the GK Quiz competition organised by PM Publications, Noida, India. More than 10,000 students from around the world participated in this online event. Rajesh Bajaj, director, PM Publications, handed over the trophy to Zannoon in the presence of principal Syed Shoukath Ali. The young achiever was congratulated by the principal, staff and students.    

In co-operation with Doha Film Institute's (DFI) Ajyal Film Festival, the Student Activities Department at Qatar University (QU) organised a dialogue session with Palestinian activist Mona al-Kurd on campus recently. Attended by about 200 students, the event also featured a Q&A portion. While expressing her admiration for the level of awareness and the deep questions posed by them, she called on Arab youth to defend their rights with audible voices. "I invite students to continue spreading awareness and championing all just causes everywhere," she urged. Al-Kurd fondly recalled her previous visit to QU in 2018. Speaking on the occasion, Mira al-Kuwari, head of the University Events and Programmes Department, said: “It gives us great pleasure to host inspiring personalities who have a positive impact on students in enhancing the quality of life in the university environment and raising their awareness of the nation’s issues and their great role towards these.” Al-Kuwari hoped al-Kurd's visit to the QU would open the door to creating new horizons and co-operative opportunities with DFI. For her part, Fatima al-Ghanim, director of Public Relations and Marketing, DFI, said: “We are honoured to support Qatar University in enhancing interaction with its students and demonstrating the power of film and creativity and their ability to create positive change in society. "Upgrading the skills of our youth is a reflection of our leadership’s vision to build a creative and innovative youth community that is capable and able to continue moving forward in our country. We look forward to effective co-operation and a fruitful partnership with Qatar University that serves our creative community and enhances its growth and prosperity."    

Debate teams from DPS-Modern Indian School recently topped two event. While the junior boys team bagged the first place in the Qatar Preparatory Schools Debate League (QPSDL) for Boys conducted at Al Yarmouk Preparatory School for Boys on November 13, another team topped the Qatar Schools Debate League-I for Girls, held on November 6 via Zoom platform. The boys event, the first in-person tournament after the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, saw the participation of 42 teams with 126 debaters from 23 institutions across Qatar. Team- Prithwiraj Purkait, Aryan Shrivastava and Ashwath Karthikeyan secured the first place, followed by Team-Surya Kauthik, Archit Chhikara and Nikkil D’cruz in second place and Team-Aadi Amole Pimple, Aryaman Adhlakha and Mukunth Madhavan won the sixth place in the league. In the individual category, Aryan was second, followed by Prithwiraj, Nikkil and Mukunth in the 5th position, Aadi and Surya in the 8th position, Aryaman and Archit in the 11th position and Ashwath in the 18th position. The girls' event witnessed a tough competition among 72 debate teams with 215 debaters from 42 different institutions in Qatar. DPS-MIS team Keira Antao, Behera Sree Vanshika, Venus Rinith earned the best team position followed by Team Manjushree Magesh, Aditi Gaigole, and Anah Merchant in 4th and Jereni Cathreen, Keren John, Victoria Honoridez in 10th position. In the individual category, Victoria Honoridez tabbed 2nd position followed by Keren John, Jereni Cathreen, and Venus Rinith in 8th position, Anah Merchant in 14th position, Keira Antao in 24th position, Manjushree Magesh in 31st position, Behera Sree Vanshika in 44th position, and Aditi Gaigole in 62nd position. In the girls event, the DPS-MIS contingent of three teams and seven observers was accompanied by Sandhya Gopalakrishnan and Jaya Majumder.    

Pakistan International School Qatar (PISQ) organised a career counselling workshop to enlighten students of engineering and computer science on choosing the best option for their capabilities and interests. Qatar Disability Resource founder and Hamad Bin Khalifa University's College of Islamic Studies research scholar Sabika Shaban and Texas A&M University at Qatar's associate professor in mechanical engineering and director of Center for Teaching and Learning, Dr Bilal Mansoor were the resource persons. The workshop also provided vital information about alternate courses in engineering and computer sciences in Qatar, Pakistan and elsewhere. The students got an idea of topics including the current demand for the chosen field, required qualifications and training, self-assessment, and mandatory skills. PISQ principal Nargis Raza Otho reiterated the importance of knowing one’s potential and subject of interest before choosing a future career path.    

The outstanding research efforts of students at Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) were recognised at the Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF)’s 13th Annual Undergraduate Research Experience Programme (UREP) Competition, where two teams from the Qatar Foundation partner institution won first place in the poster and oral presentation categories.  Held virtually this year, the UREP competition featured 26 teams from universities across Qatar. The GU-Q teams competed in the Social Arts and Humanities pillar of the competition, and presented original research on the socio-economic and policy environment of Qatar conducted while they were undergraduates. Alisha Kamran and Halak Sheth won Best Oral Presentation for their project, 'Investigating the Resilience of Qatar’s Trade Network' (UREP 23-148-5-036) under the mentorship of Dr Jack Rossbach, assistant professor of Economics. Their winning project determined that Qatar is well-diversified across trading partners and imported products, and highlighted the need for continued diversification. For the researchers, UREP offered a chance to practise applying their developing skill sets while an undergraduate.  “Our faculty mentor has been paramount to this research study. Dr Rossbach’s courses equip students with the ability to clean large economic datasets and build code for trade models which we were able to apply to the study of the resilience in Qatar's trade network,” said Sheth.   Partner Kamran added that the UREP programme “provided graduates like Halak and myself with the opportunity to apply classroom learning to the real world, and to experience research culture first-hand while appreciating the challenge of contributing to existing literature.” Best Poster Presentation was awarded to Abdul Rehmaan Qayyum (GU-Q '21) and Khansa Maria (GU-Q '21) for their project on 'Humanising Resources: Analysing Employment Opportunities for the Disabled in Qatar'' (UREP 24-215-5-041). They worked with primary research mentor Dr Sonia Alonso, associate professor of Government, and Mentor Zahra Babar, associate director for Research at the GU-Q Centre for International and Regional Studies (CIRS). “This recognition from QNRF is important because it increases the visibility of our project, and more importantly, the issue that we are highlighting,” said Maria. “I am grateful to our mentors for pushing us beyond our comfort zone and making sure that we gave the project our best. We are also grateful to the disability community in Qatar for supporting our project in every way possible.” Receiving UREP funding for a project around disability-related issues was inspiring to Qayyum, who added: “This recognition is a huge motivating factor for me to continue working for the inclusion of disabled people in Qatar and for other significant causes.”  

Noble International School (NIS) in association with Indian Sports Centre (ISC) organised the largest inter-school chess tournament for students of Indian schools in Qatar. More than 200 participated from 17 Indian schools. Bhavan's Public School won the overall championship, DPS-Modern Indian School was the first runner-up and Pearl Modern School the second runner-up. Indian embassy first secretary (culture and education) Sachin Dinkar Shankpal was the chief guest and ISC president Dr Mohan Thomas spoke. NIS chairman Hussain Mohamed U presided. General secretary Basheer K P and academic director Muneer Ahmed were present. NIS principal Shibu Abdul Rasheed welcomed the gathering and vice principal Robin K Jose proposed the vote of thanks. The event was led by Physical Education Department head Saril N R, vice principal (academics) Jayamon Joy, section heads Shihabudheen M, Nizar K, CCA co-ordinator Mohamed Hassan and physical education teachers Antony Germans, Joyce Manuel and Anju A.

Pak Shamaa School arranged a road safety practical activity to mark Traffic Day under the supervision of Nazakat along with her staff members for kindergarten students. "Educating children on road safety is a critical aspect of youth education, as it directly affects their physical safety and well-being as they grow up and become independent. Instead of isolated conferences and demonstrations, road safety is something that has to be done on an ongoing and sometimes subtle basis," the school said in a statement. Students were taught about road signals as well the rules to cross a pedestrian track. "It is paramount that children are aware of the basic traffic signs and signals. The ability to interpret basic signs can be the foundation for a long-running education and exposure to the larger set of rules associated with road traffic safety," the statement noted. Road safety for children starts with the importance of presence of mind. They need to be taught to pay attention to their surroundings and be responsive to their senses, it added. Model of cars and buses were made for the activity and students were made aware of car horns and engine sounds indicating the approach of a vehicle even before it is visible. Students were also taught to listen to them while crossing. Principal Nabila Kaukab paid a visit along with the wing co-ordinators and appreciated the efforts of staff members and students to make this activity a success.

British Modern International School (BMIS), Al Messila honoured English (IEO), Science (NSO) and Mathematics (IMO) Olympiad (2020-21) gold medallists. Principal Dr Harry presided over the function. Mona Ahmed Gadelrab Director Dr Shamila Ahmed distributed the certificates and gold medals. Vice principal Ambily, English co-ordinator Sajinee, Qatar History co-ordinator Nusciba, social worker Azza, class teachers Anu, Shani, Sanisha, Surya, Murshid and French teacher Sofian participated. BMIS students won as many as 21 gold medals, including six of distinction. Mona Ahmed Gadelrab of Year 3 won medals of distinction in all three Olympiads. Abhinav Anoop of Year 2 won medals of distinction in IEO & IMO and Amina Almas of Year 4 in NSO.

November 14 is celebrated as Children’s Day (also called as Bal Diwas) in India, and the occasion also commemorates the birth anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of independent India who was known for his affection and love for children. On this day, Loyola International School - like every year - geared up to make the day a special one for its students. Children from all classes came to school in colourful dresses with face paintings. They were gifted beautiful handmade badges by their teachers and enjoyed different games with balloons. The school also organised a movie time for kindergarten students, where the little ones watched animated movies while having their favourite food. Both the students and teachers had a great time amid a celebratory atmosphere. Competitions and fun activities were conducted that kept the students in high spirits. The day was also a reminder that every child deserves an education, nurturing and the best of everything, the school said in a statement.

Daryll John Cullinan, former cricket player of South Africa, visited Birla Public School recently and participated in an interactive session with students. He demonstrated some fundamental skills, covering fielding, batting and bowling. Cullinan corrected the positioning of players. He put more stress on the importance of physical fitness and basics such as standing positions, grip of bat, hand positions and elbow positions while holding the bat and ball. Earlier, Cullinan, accompanied by MS Dhoni Cricket Academy in Qatar managing director Mihir Diwakar and head of operations Sohail Rouf, was welcomed at a ceremony. He was greeted by school director Lukose K Chacko and academic director-principal Harish Sanduja.Vice principals Rajesh Pillai (co-scholastics) and Edna Fernandez (scholastics) were present. Sports captain Aaron Ansel welcomed the gathering and girl sports captain Shrijeeta Ghosh proposed a vote of thanks.

Texas A&M University at Qatar (Tamuq) recently presented 50 students with their Aggie Rings during an in-person ceremony in Education City. Students of Texas A&M University are called “Aggies” and that tradition continues at Texas A&M’s branch campus in Doha. The Aggie Ring worn by all Aggies is the most visible symbol of the Aggie Network that connects graduates of Texas A&M around the world. Dating back more than 100 years, the Aggie Ring is a tradition that is deep in symbolism and represents the values every Aggie should hold: excellence, integrity, leadership, loyalty, respect and selfless service. Mohamedm Fattouh, a Class of 2022 mechanical engineering student and president of the Student Government Association, received his own ring during the ceremony, which he emceed. “I have been blessed to get the opportunity and chance to study at a world-renowned university such as Tamuq,” he said. “It has been a journey that truly allowed me to grow and develop not just an engineer, but to the person I am today.” On each ring is the wearer’s class year. Aggies wear their rings with their class year facing them. At graduation, Aggies turn their rings around with the class year facing outward, symbolising their readiness to face the world. Rand Alagha, a petroleum engineering student in the Class of 2022, said, “I’ve been waiting for the day I get my Aggie Ring since the day I attended Aggie Ring Day in my freshman year.” Tamuq dean, Dr Cesar Octavio Malave, congratulated the students on achieving this significant milestone. “You have earned these rings with your hard work and dedication, so be proud of what you have accomplished,” Malave said. “This ring shows the world that you are a member of the Aggie Network — now more than 525,000 members worldwide. This ring ties you to your classmates and to fellow Aggies around the world. Treasure your Aggie Ring and wear it with pride, knowing that you belong to the Aggie Network.”

The Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) celebrated Children's Day on November 14 with the participation of various Indian schools in a hybrid event. Indian ambassador Dr Deepak Mittal was the chief guest and the guest of honour was Qatar National Human Rights Department's investigating officer Captain Khamis Sultan al-Muraikhi. Indian embassy first secretary (consular and community affairs) and ICC co-ordinating officer Xavier Dhanraj, ICC president P N Baburajan and other dignitaries were present on the occasion. ICC's activity co-ordinator and education head Kamala Thakur made the opening remarks. Tejaswi Manoj anchored the show. On behalf of schools and children, Fathimatuz Zahra delivered the welcome speech. Ojal Patil proposed a vote of thanks.