Community

More than 2,000 students participated in 27 different competitions at the week-long 'Spotlight 2023' talent hunt programme conducted by Ideal Indian School (IIS) recently. The competitions were in drawing, literary arts and performing arts, with separate categories for boys and girls as well as groups for kids, sub-junior, junior, intermediate and senior. The competition featured a wide range of events, including vocal and instrumental music, dance, painting, rangoli, mime, poem recitation, storytelling, elocution and extempore speaking. Additionally, there was a special competition for Muslim students, including Tajweed, Hifz and Azan, emphasising the importance of religious education and promoting a deeper understanding.

A spectacular opening ceremony at the synthetic track marked the 49th Annual Athletic Meet of MES Indian School on October 10.Asian Games champion Bassem Hameida was the chief guest and All-African Games champion Basante Hemida, the guest of honour.Hameida took salute from the members of a march past by Blue, Green, Red and Yellow houses. Declaring the meet open, he congratulated the school for identifying and fostering students’ athletic prowess and urged the students to put their best foot forward to excel in the international sports arena. Principal Dr Hameeda Kadar stressed on embracing the true spirit of sportsmanship.The opening ceremony commenced with an impressive and synchronised march past-display of the contingents representing the school’s Blue, Green, Red and Yellow Houses. A welcome mass drill coupled with aerobics was performed by the students of the Junior section, followed by a calisthenics drill from the Girls’ section, and a tableau depicting various sporting events along with a pyramid formation by the Boys’ section.Azeem Majid, sports captain, Boys’ section led the oath-taking ceremony for the contestants. The Olympic torch was ceremoniously carried and lit by athletes of MES holding outstanding achievements in sports.School officials Ahamed Isham, A T Usman, Ashraf Sharafudheen P T, Badarudheen Gulam Mohiyudheen, Ansar T K, Aneesh P A and Faisal Mayan were among those present. Steeson K Mathew, head of the Department of Physical Education and teachers co-ordinated the event. Earlier, Afiya Haroon, sports captain of the Girls’ section welcomed the gathering, and Dalyn Silvanus, head prefect of the Boys’ section proposed a vote of thanks.

In an endeavour to promote scientific enquiry and to inspire creativity among students, MES Indian School organised Scientia-2K23, a science, math and art exhibition featuring as many as 500 exhibits, in four categories, including working models by students of Classes VI-XII.The innovative segment of the exhibition included, earthquake resistant buildings, bioplasticity, wireless energy transfer, aeroponics, plasma radiation, AI in medicine, live calligraphy, live mehndi design, among others.Prof John-John Cabibihan, Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, Qatar University, was the chief guest. He inaugurated the event in the presence of school governing board members. Principal Dr Hameeda Kadar complimented the students for their enthusiastic participation and involvement.The school’s Scouts & Guides, prefects and the members of the Science Club volunteered for the smooth conduct of the exhibition. Earlier, assistant head boy Ahmed Faisal welcomed the gathering and assistant head girl Sheza Fathima proposed a vote of thanks.

About 2,000 students participated in Regalia 2023, a two-day cultural extravaganza hosted by MES Indian School with an array of competitions, including fancy dress, action song, storytelling, solo dance, recitation, classical music, Western music, and performing arts.The competitions in sub junior-I, sub junior-II, junior, intermediate and senior were held across 20 different venues within the school premises. Malayalam film actress and classical dancer Sruthy Jayan was the chief guest and the school's officiating president Dr Najeeb K P, was the guest of honour at the valedictory ceremony.Sruthy Jayan encouraged the students to embrace their artistic inclinations alongside their academic pursuits, as it can lead to a fulfilling and well-rounded life. Principal Dr Hameeda Kadar congratulated the winners for their brilliant accomplishments and emphasised the importance of active participation which also propels their passion to next level, preparing them for the challenges of the future.Winners of various competitions were awarded with certificates, category-wise. Best individual artist - Junior - Mythili Menon, Aasim Ismayil Parambath; Sub junior I - Aditya Prashanth, Tara Kamala Menon; Sub junior II - Sohan Sandeep, Hanan Mohamed Shameem; Senior - Johann Cherian George, Arundhathi Gopikrishnan; Intermediate - Vedha Virendra Redkar, Mukesh Adithyan Srinivasan.Cultural secretaries Johan Thomas John and Navami Manoj welcomed the gathering and proposed a vote of thanks, respectively. The event was organised by a cultural committee led by Anver K, Sumitha Abdulnasser and section co-ordinators Harshan V, Sijila Das and Arul Mozhi.

Outreach Qatar (OQ), a new organisation affiliated to the Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF) under the aegis of the Embassy of India, to support differently-abled children and their parents, was inaugurated recently.Indian embassy first secretary and ICBF co-ordinating officer Dr Vaibhav Tandale was the chief guest at the event held at the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC).Highlights of the event were performances by differently-abled children, co-ordinated by OQ committee member, Lakshmi Chokalingam with support from Navenapriya and facilitated by respective parents. The children surprised the audience with their level of talent and display of unexplored potential. Participants were presented with certificates and parents were recognised with mementos of appreciation for their support and co-ordination.Dr Tandale, with his comprehensive experience as a paediatrician, referred to the efforts of children as extraordinary. He appreciated the sacrifice and perseverance of the parents. He referred to the famous Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, finding perfection in imperfection, as the goal set by Outreach Qatar, which in time will display perfection and symmetry where the community once saw imperfection in these differently-abled children.Dr Tandale also quoted Kintsugi, the Japanese art of putting broken pottery together with gold and connected to the nobility imbibed in the cause of Outreach Qatar and how it is a step further on the humanitarian path to make gold of the young little ones.OQ general secretary, Sameer Moosa, in his welcome address, said this sector of service was long overdue, and the community deserves it at the earliest. President Avinash Gaikwad briefed on the intent and account of forming the entity, with a special mention of advisory council chairman P N Baburajan and other OQ team members wholeheartedly supporting the noble cause. He announced the registration of free dance and karate classes for specially-abled children at Skills Development Centre.Baburajan also explained how children can be supported through training and coaching in arts, dance and karate; co-ordination with educational institutions to accept the specially-abled children, and designing curricula to facilitate their education alongside the regular children as far as possible, providing educational and career development guidance to parents, assistance towards counselling segments for the family and community awareness sessions by experienced and qualified personalities.ICC president Manikantan A P, ICBF vice president Deepak Shetty, Indian Sports Centre president E P Abdulrahman and Mani Bharati from Qatar Tamizhar Sangam spoke.

Rajagiri Public School (RPS) celebrated its 10th Foundation Day over two days recently. The inaugural ceremony was graced by managing director George Jacob and members of the management.Board member and guest of honour, Dr Aju Abraham in his presidential address, emphasised the importance of holistic education. He spoke about the institution's journey over the past decade, its achievements, future goals and expressed gratitude to Rajagiri Cochin, the staff, students, and parents for their support.The celebrations featured cultural programmes, which included performances by students, teachers and parents. Silver screen fame Milan Joy, Krithika Subramanian and Athul Sutheesh added colour to the celebration with their performances.A significant part of the Foundation Day celebration was dedicated to honouring teachers with the excellence award. Jacob and principal Joshy Abraham felicitated the winners.

The Philippine School Doha’s (PSD) Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) has elected its Homeroom officers recently, forming a new set of PTA Board of Director (BOD) for the school year 2023-24.Leading the new executive board for this academic year is Ismael Benavidez Jr, a longtime Filipino community leader who has also served as part of the school's PTA Board of Directors in the past.Joining him are four outgoing BODs from previous years, namely Romeo Manaois as the vice resident, engineer Mario Oligo as treasurer, Dennis Robles as auditor and engineer Jayson Gonzalvo as PRO.Returning BOD officers include Venia Tolentino (previous secretary from 2017-19) as secretary, and Raul Acabado as parent representative. Newcomers include Maria Christina Gomez as business manager, and the remaining parent representatives namely Jolly Espaldon and Rhonel Regalado.Complementing the 10-man team of the parent officers are appointed teacher representatives namely Marfloris Baladad, Apphia Laroa of the Pre-School department; and Maribel Lentejas of the Primary department. Meanwhile, Dr Daryl Benedict Alicamen will represent the Intermediate department, Jeralyn Y Buggay of the Junior High School department and Dr Dave Buragay of the Senior High School department.On September 14, the new leaders were inducted into office alongside other Homeroom officers. The oath-taking and induction ceremony was conducted face-to-face at the Edgar V Bondoc Gymnasium inside the PSD campus.Benavidez Jr vowed to make efficient use of his term by implementing numerous projects and giving continuous support to PSD school activities.Several committees have also been created, involving 15 members that will support the Sports, Community and Social Responsibility, Ways and Means, Learning and Development, as well as Programme and Membership by the PTA BOD while all Homeroom presidents were encouraged to be active this year and support all the planned programmes.Activities this year would include the traditional sports fest, blood donation drives, community outreach programmes, online webinars, hosting of community events, and support to the Pre-school department that will host the entire activity in PSD.

MES Indian School conducted an awareness programme for drivers and supporting staff, on matters of enhancing their professionalism, communication skills, personality development and safe transport procedures. The training was carried out by resource persons Milan Arun and Vinod K Pisharom. A total of 220 drivers and supporting staff attended. Principal Dr Hameeda Kadar reminded the staff of their responsibilities in ensuring safety while being professional in carrying out duties in a mindful manner. Administration and facilities head Mohamed Rashid and Transport Department manager Ahmed Kabeer co-ordinated the event.

MES Alumni Association (Mesaa) and Mesaa Toastmasters Club jointly and successfully conducted the Libano Suisse Inter-School Elocution competition in honour of the late B K Mohamed Kunhi, who served as the principal of MES Indian School from 1979 to 2001. The competition featuring 22 students from 11 of the Indian schools in Qatar, in junior and senior categories, was conducted at the MES Indian School. The topics were "Discuss how AI revolutionising the education system is counter-effective or counter-intuitive" (senior) and "The power of youth in shaping a sustainable future" (junior). The winners, in the order of first, second and third, respectively are as follows. Senior - Anna Jerry Manathra (Rajagiri Public School), Krish Nagrani (DPS Modern Indian School), Antony Binu Alapatt (DPS Monarch International School). Junior - Mohamed Rabeeh Abdul Azeez (MES Indian School), Ann Liza Shaiju (Birla Public School), Aeindri Ghosh (DPS Monarch International School). The overall school championship was shared between MES Indian School and Rajagiri Public School. The event was hosted by Fawad Kasu, who also served as the contest chair. Toastmasters Pradeep Menon, Sabeena MK and Lornalyn Tallod were the judges, and Ram Mohan Rai was the chief judge. During the closing ceremony, the participants carried out a parade of their school placards. The event also marked the launch of the Mesaa membership card. Vice president Amanat Solanki, presented an infomercial video about the Mesaa Card, detailing the benefits of becoming a Mesaa member, which includes among other things having access to 50+ loyalty partners. Mesaa president Fazil Hameed handed over the first card to P P Faisal, managing director of Family Food Centre, an alumnus of MES Indian School from the first batch (1984). Faisal further handed over a Mesaa card to Hazem Harris, from the 2023 batch of MES Indian School. The MES Gavel Club, a joint initiative of MES Alumni Association and Mesaa Toastmasters Club, was officially launched during the event. Mesaa Toastmasters president Raasum Sait, chief co-ordinator Samiha Sooppi and counsellor Fadiya Shaheen oversaw the launch ceremony. Sait highlighted the valuable impact of starting young when it comes to public speaking as an effective tool for young leadership and networking. Mesaa general secretary Samra Mahboob welcomed the audience and presented a heartfelt tribute video in memory of the late B K Mohamed Kunhi. Hameed emphasised that the association will continue to nurture youth leadership and engage the alumni community. He further appreciated the culture of coherence and collaboration between the schools in Qatar, and thanked them for participating in the second edition of this tribute event. The other participating schools at the event were MESIS, Podar Pearl School, Birla Public School, Noble International School , Bhavan's Public School, Olive International School, Shantiniketan Indian School. The sponsors were Libano Suisse, Spirit Events, Radio Olive and Panache. MES Indian School principal Hameeda Kader, shared fond memories of her experiences working under the brilliant academician and astute manager, the late B K Mohamed Kunhi. Mesaa joint secretary (events) Mohamed Nabeel proposed a vote of thanks.

Ideal Indian School (IIS) recently hosted the 7th Annual Interschool Uswa-E-Rasool Elocution and Recitation competition.The topics were: "Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) compassion towards children" for juniors and "Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) message of unity and brotherhood" for seniors.Among the 15 participating schools, the hosts bagged the overall trophy for the 7th consecutive year.In the senior category, Aftab Ahmad (XII-C) and Khuzaima Kazmi (IX-F) from IIS claimed the first position in the Holy Qur'an Recitation, while Farha Naaz (XII-F) earned the first position for elocution.In the junior category, Anum Manzoor (VIII-J) secured the second position in elocution. IIS clinched the overall trophy in both elocution and the Holy Qur'an Recitation.IIS principal Shaikh Shamim Saheb congratulated the students, teachers, and participants from other schools.He expressed gratitude towards the event's convener, Azam Khan (vice principal, junior section), head of department of Arabic Dr Ehtesham, and his team, heads of sections and president Dr Hassan Kunhi M P.The elocution competition judges were Sajid Ahmad (mechanical engineer, Qatar Energy), Mishail al-Malki (senior communication specialist), and Dr Muslehuddin (Islamic thinker and scholar).The Holy Qur'an Recitation competition judges were Shaikh Tahir Ibraheem Ali al-Ahdal (Imam & Khateeb in Awqaf), Qari Abdul Aziz (Imam & Khateeb), and Qari Mohammad Merajul Haq Nadwi (Imam & Khateeb).During the closing ceremony, the chief guest Mishail al-Malki conveyed the message of Islam to the audience and commended the students and the Arabic department for their unwavering dedication and hard work.

As part of the Hindi Day celebrations, the department of Hindi at the MES Indian School conducted Chetana-2023 - inter-school Hindi competitions, featuring recitation for the junior, elocution for the intermediate and essay writing for the senior categories.A total of 49 students from 19 Indian schools in Qatar participated. The panel of judges comprised, Alka Choudhary, eminent writer and social activist; Susmitha Pattnaik, poet, translator and avid learner and Chandra Joshi Gururani, writer, fashion designer and Indian Women's Association joint general secretary.In the junior category for recitation, Maheen Malik (MES), Aadhya Anklesh Gajbhiye (Noble International School) and Aarohi Vandana Ravitambr (DPS Modern Indian School) were first, second and third winners, respectively.In the intermediate elocution, Vaishvi Rahul Shah (MES), Shamita Adiga (Birla Public School) and Samadrita Basu (DPS-Monarch International School) stood first, second and third, respectively.In the senior category of essay writing contest Ranushi Bharadwaj (Noble International School), Syed Dawar Abbas (MES) and Nandini Haran (Loyola International School) were the first, second and third winners respectively.The felicitation ceremony had MES principal Dr Hameeda Kadar as chief guest and Hindi poet and writer Dr Meenu Parasar Mansi as the guest of honour.Rajendran S, co-ordinator, department of Hindi, Boys’ Section, overall co-ordinator of the event, also spoke. Various cultural programmes were held.Earlier, the competitions started with a prayer by Hathim Faisal (grade IV-B).The felicitation ceremony started with a prayer by teacher Mohammed Habeebulla.Shivam Bhutra (VIII-F) welcomed the gathering.Sameer Pande, a teacher, in the department of Hindi, introduced the programme.A theme song about Hindi, penned by Rajendran and composed by music teacher Anver V P was presented by the school choir.A patriotic song was presented by junior students led by Nivedh Shankar and a team guided by music teacher Mallika Shaji, followed by a dance performance by Fathima and the team of the junior section choreographed by teacher Rajani S N. Aleena Elizabeth Gino (IX L) and team also presented a dance.The principal released the fifth edition of ‘Sphoorthi’ Hindi Magazine, which showcased the students' linguistics and literary skills in Hindi. Ayana Sameer (XII O) proposed the vote of thanks.Deona, Amina (IV P), Verendra Redkar (IX P), Heba Masood (IX M), and Daivik Parmar (VIII F) compered the programme. Haroon, department of ICT along with his team provided technical assistance for the programme.

A Science, Math & Art Exhibition titled Simulation 2023 was held recently at Birla Public School with the participation of 700 students from middle school to senior secondary.The event was inaugurated by Dr Rayaz Malik, a professor of medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar, the organisational official for the Human Research Protection (HRP) Programme, and the assistant dean for Clinical Investigations.School chairman Gope Shahani, vice chairperson Maria Pakalomattom, director C V Rappai and management representative Chindhu Rappai graced the occasion.Dr Malik stressed that along with hard work passion and belief in oneself is the only way to success."All of us are capable but we need to have commitment," he said while recalling that the words that inspired him and kept him going were that of his father that education, education and only education can make all the difference in one’s life”.Simulation 2023 aimed at shifting from theoretical study pattern to practical implementation, encourage students to apply their ideas in a unique manner, push them to think out of the box thus promoting creativity, self-confidence and ensuring their readiness for future life lessons.Acting principal Radhika Rele and vice principal Edna Fernandez led the team that organised the exhibition.

Over 200 Qatar University (QU) students, including male first-year students and female students from various majors, attended the annual introductory meeting for teams organised by the Sports Affairs Department for the Fall 2023 semester.The meeting was an opportunity for students to learn about the types of sport available at the university, the training plans and programmes, competitions, and the method of registration. Students also learned about the goals of the Sports Teams Department, the services it offers and the privileges they receive as distinguished sports team players.Walid Desouqi, head of the Males’ Sports Teams Department at the Department of Sports Affairs at QU, said: “This meeting is an opportunity for especially first-year students, to exploit their talents, abilities, and sports hobbies and develop them by practicing under the supervision of the Sports Teams Department and playing for university teams.“Distinguished sports team players will have the Academic Support Department maintain their academic performance, in addition to providing financial aid to cover the costs of study in accordance with the conditions and laws of the Financial Aid Department,”The Sports Teams Department at QU has had many achievements recently at various levels, including: First place in the 2023 Universities Football Championship, first place in the 2023 University Volleyball Championship, second place in the 2023 University Basketball Championship, third place in the 2023 Universities Handball Championship, first in paddle, silver in swimming, and third in water polo in the 2023 Gulf Championships.

MES Indian School observed the National Sports Day of India on August 29, to encourage students to ensure physical and mental fitness. National Sports Day marks the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, the legendary Indian field hockey player. MES conducted a slew of sports activities. Principal Dr Hameeda Kadar in a message to students emphasised the importance of sports in fostering valuable life skills like discipline and teamwork. The event was organised by the Department of Physical Education.

Vedant Suresh, a Grade 8 student of MES Indian School, has found a spot in the 'India Book of Records' for solving a single pyramid Rubik’s Cube in record time with one hand in the teenager’s category. In less than 33 seconds, he was able to solve the Rubik’s Cube using only his right hand. He was 13 years and 12 days at the time the record was set on July 28, 2023. Principal Dr Hameeda Kadar has congratulated him.

Ideal Indian School (IIS) conducted a comprehensive teachers' orientation programme over two days recently. President Dr Hassan Kunhi M P inaugurated the session and addressed queries from teachers. Staff members shared their summer break experiences. Principal Shaik Shamim Saheb addressed the faculty on the topic: "Discovering One’s Potential as a Teacher." Boys' section vice principal Ashok Kumar Tiwari spoke on "Understanding and Developing High Self-Esteem for Confidence Building in Learners." On the second day, junior section vice principal Azam Khan highlighted the elements of teamwork in education, strategies to overcome challenges, and the role of leadership in fostering teamwork through the topic: "Together Everyone Achieves More." Girls' section vice principal Dr Nazima Bi presented the topic: "Co-operation - Effective Methods to Elicit Co-operation from Children in the Classroom." The programme was co-ordinated by girls' section headmistress Khatija T C. Boys' section assistant headmaster Sajid Shamim was the moderator for the first day and junior section assistant headmistress Shyla Jose on the second day.

MIE-SPPU Institute of Higher Education, Savitribai Phule Pune University's - Qatar Campus launched its alumni association during the holy month of Ramadan.A subsequent meeting to adopt the association charter and elect the founding managing committee was held recently. Institute director Dr B B Nath welcomed the gathering. President Hassan Chougule and vice president Yasir Nainar spoke. Nainar referred to his recent visit to Pune University, where he was honoured by the Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Suresh Gosawi. He stated that the alumni association at the main campus is a thriving organisation and that efforts are underway to replicate the same vigour in Qatar.Head of administration Dinesh Bakshi was appointed director for outreach programmes and co-ordinator for the alumni association. Three members were unanimously elected to the ad-hoc body to assume initial responsibilities. They are Dr Pankaj (president) and Rakesh Wagh and Sneha (members).Several alumni members offered suggestions to enhance the visibility of the university in Doha. One alumni member suggested initiating a course in town planning and administration in collaboration with SPPU, Pune.

To promote physical fitness and enhance students' wellbeing, the Physical Education Department of MES Indian School has launched a two-month long summer camp until August 15. By focusing on football and physical fitness-oriented games, the camp provides a passion for sports and ensures an active lifestyle among the participants. The camp will feature skill-building sessions, friendly matches, team-building exercises and fitness drills conducted by experienced coaches and trainers.

The Junior Section of MES Indian School observed Father's Day. Students of Grades KG-I to XII created lovely "Greeting Cards" with meaningful as well as fond remarks to express their devotion and gratitude. There were speeches glorifying the selfless care and affection extended by fathers in creating a close bond in families.

MES Indian School student Athelya Yohance participated in the SilverZone Olympiad competitions for KG to Grade XII, for the academic year 2022-23 conducted online in Mathematics, Science, GK, English, Social Science, IT and Reasoning, and bagged three gold medals, one silver and two bronze in the individual category.