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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.

Painting the sky in deep orange, the sun bids adieu after a hot day in Doha, as seen from D Ring Road the other day. PICTURE: Gulf Times news editor Bonnie James.

Nisha Shivram from Toastmasters District 116- Qatar won second place at the World Championship of Public Speaking in The Bahamas. Her speech titled, 'Swipe,' gave out a message to help fellow human beings without any hesitation, expectation or calculation. A native of the southern Indian state of Kerala, the Qatar resident has been a member of Toastmasters since 2007 and has been taking part in speech contests for 13 years. She was one of the eight finalists last year at Nashville, Tennesse. “The credit of this achievement goes to my mentor Vinod Pisharom, for his guidance throughout the contests. My heartfelt gratitude to Toastmasters who have been helping individuals like me become a better communicator," said Nisha, a corporate trainer. District 116 Qatar has got more than 200 Toastmasters clubs that include Arabic, Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil and other regional languages club as well.

DPS Modern Indian School honoured the CBSE toppers of grade XII (2022-23) at an award ceremony. The highlights of grade XII results were presented by Rakhi Mishra, academic co-ordinator grade XI and XII.Theertha Aravind, the school topper of grade XII in the science stream with an aggregate of 97.8%, has secured the first position in Qatar.In the Commerce stream, Aparna Narayanan has topped the school with 95.2% while in the Humanities stream Anuradha Narayan Manoj is the school topper with 95.8% and have also bagged second rank in Qatar.Principal Asna Nafees and chief guest Yasir Nainar congratulated the achievers. A total of 68 students from grade XII (2022-2023) were awarded with trophies, blue blazers, blue ties, gold & silver medals and merit certificates.

University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) and Edaa, Qatars Central Securities Depository, announced a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster cooperation between the two institutions.The MoU was signed by President of UDST Dr. Salem Al Naemi and HE CEO of Edaa Sheikh Saif Abdulla Al-Thani.Dr. Salem Al Naemi said: "This partnership could not have come at a better time. The connection between educational institutions and businesses is increasingly crucial as the workforce environments young people must enter are becoming more competitive. We strive to offer our students unparalleled experiences to provide them an edge in the labor market, and our MoU with Edaa is both an exciting step forward and a concrete example of this philosophy."For his part, HE Sheikh Saif Abdulla Al-Thani said, "Our collaboration with UDST demonstrates our commitment to nurturing local talent, as well as injecting the financial sector with a fresh perspective. Through this partnership, we envision a brighter future for both the academic and financial communities in Qatar."The MoU serves as a cooperative framework, establishing a roadmap for mutual growth and shared learning in several areas, including the facilitation of student internships and work placements at Edaa, enabling UDST students access to real-world exposure.Both UDST and Edaa are optimistic that the collaboration will serve as a cornerstone for future partnerships, setting a benchmark for the financial sectors collaboration with academia in Qatar and the region at large.Other activities under the agreement include shared research initiatives to fuse theoretical knowledge with practical applications, training and professional development for the wider UDST community, collaborative projects focused on innovation, and data and knowledge sharing strategies to promote a culture of collective growth.As the countrys leading university specialized in applied academic, technical, and vocational education, UDST is positioned to play a pivotal role in training the next generation of financial experts.Edaa, a service company licensed by the Qatar Financial Markets Authority, is a true standard-setter in the realm of safekeeping, clearing, settlement of securities, derivatives, and several other financial instruments.The MoU serves to bridge the gap between education and workplace, offering unique opportunities to UDST students, whilst enriching the services offered by Edaa. (QNA)

In the tapestry of Doha's culinary landscape, Cucina at Marriott Marquis City Center stands as a veritable jewel, an Italian treasure trove that invites diners to embark on a gastronomic journey that transcends mere sustenance. It was under the expert guidance of the maestro himself, Chef Claudio, that I had the privilege of indulging in a symphony of flavors, where every dish was a testament to the artistry of Italian cuisine.As I entered Cucina, the ambiance enveloped me in a warm embrace reminiscent of an Italian trattoria. The rustic charm of exposed brick walls and vintage-inspired décor set the stage for an evening of culinary revelation. It was a space that celebrated both tradition and innovation, much like the menu that awaited us.Our culinary sojourn commenced with the Parmigiana, a classic Italian antipasto. Layers of eggplant, tomatoes, Parmesan, and mozzarella melded into a harmonious mosaic of flavors. The dish, as Chef Claudio explained, was a tribute to simplicity, where the quality of ingredients shone through in every bite. It was a delicious prelude to the delights that lay ahead.The La Palla di Mozzarela Ripiena, a handmade pasta creation with buffalo mozzarella and pesto, was a revelation of Italian craftsmanship. Each bite of pasta, delicately folded to cradle the creamy mozzarella, was a testament to Chef Claudio's dedication to his craft. The pesto, a fragrant green symphony, danced on the palate in perfect harmony.The Lasagna, a timeless classic, arrived like a masterpiece. Layers of beef ragu, béchamel, and mozzarella were a study in balance and indulgence. The beef ragu, slow-cooked to perfection, provided a rich, savory base that harmonized beautifully with the silky béchamel and gooey mozzarella. It was a comfort dish elevated to haute cuisine.The Risotto al Frutti di Mare, a sautéed seafood risotto with fresh tomatoes, was a sensory delight. The creamy risotto enveloped the tender seafood, creating a symphony of flavors that transported me to the Italian coastline. It was a testament to Chef Claudio's expertise in marrying flavors and textures.The Tagliata Di Tonno, a seared tuna fillet with sesame seeds and caponata, was a triumph of simplicity and elegance. The tuna, seared to perfection, retained its delicate interior, while the sesame seeds added a delightful crunch. The caponata, a sweet and tangy accompaniment, provided the perfect balance to the dish.As the evening drew to a close, it was time to savor the final act of our Italian opera - Tiramisu. This iconic dessert, handcrafted by Chef Claudio himself, was a heavenly crescendo to our meal. Each spoonful was a delicate dance of mascarpone, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and cocoa dusting. It was an exquisite conclusion to an evening of culinary excellence.In conclusion, Cucina at Marriott Marquis City Center Doha is more than a restaurant; it is a voyage into the heart of Italy's culinary heritage, guided by the skilled hand of Chef Claudio. Every dish, meticulously crafted, tells a story of tradition, passion, and innovation. It was an evening where each course unfolded like a chapter in an epic tale of flavor, leaving an indelible mark on my gastronomic memory. Cucina is a destination for those who seek an Italian culinary experience that transcends expectation and transports the palate to the soul of Italy.

To strengthen patriotism and nationalism among young Indonesians in Qatar, the Indonesian embassy conducted the second edition of the 'Civic Course' from September 10 to 15. The event brought together over 40 Indonesian teenagers residing in Qatar. They actively participated in a series of discussions and intensive activities aimed at deepening their understanding of crucial topics, including State’s ideology of Pancasila, Indonesia’s natural landscapes, religiosity, role of young Indonesians on the global stage, among a host of other subjects. The inaugural day of discussions kicked off with the theme, 'Nationalism and Indonesian Youth,' facilitated by Dr Anto Mohsin, a faculty member at Northwestern University in Qatar. He discussed the historical roles of youth and how young Indonesians can actively contribute to addressing future challenges. Putri Handayani, an employee and an accomplished mountain climber, facilitated a discussion on the extensive natural landscapes of Indonesia. In addition to addressing the challenges of environmental stewardship in Indonesia, participants also actively presented and exchanged their viewpoints. The event concluded with a closing address by the Indonesian ambassador to Qatar, Ridwan Hassan. This was followed by a special guest lecture delivered online by Dr Darmansjah Djumala, member of Expert Council of Indonesia’s National Agency for Fostering Pancasila Ideology and former ambassador to Austria. Dr Djumala emphasised the pivotal role of Pancasila as the driving force as well as a bridge between nationalism and internationalism (humanity). He, among others stressed the importance of Indonesian young diaspora to have the spirit of nationalism. However, the Indonesian youth also should have capacity to respect the nationalism of other nations. “Our nationalism is not built by underestimating other nations,” said Dr Djumala added.

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.

Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology (Govt. Engineering College, Kottayam) Alumni Association Qatar (Ritaaq) members and their families celebrated the Onam festival at an event titled 'Aarattu 2023: A Day of Unity and Tradition.'The day began with members showcasing their artistic flair in crafting intricate 'Pookalam' (floral carpet) designs. Chairman Sheffin Shahab welcomed the gathering followed by a brief introduction about the purpose and importance of the event by general secretary Mohamed Hashir and a vote of thanks by treasurer Rishad Payyapatha.The cultural performances featured Kerala's traditional dances and a fashion show depicting the beauty of traditional attire. The highlight of the day was the sumptuous Onam Sadhya, a grand feast prepared and served by the members themselves.A touch of nostalgia was added with the inclusion of the traditional game of Vadam Vali (tug of war).

Tulukoota Qatar, an associate organisation of Indian Cultural Centre, won the maiden MAT Kabaddi Trophy at a tournament it hosted recently at Aspire Dome's multipurpose hall.Indian ambassador Vipul was the chief guest and Indian Sports Centre president E P Abdul Rahman was the guest of honour.Tulukoota lifted the championship trophy and received a cash award of QR3,333. Qatar Indian Friends was the first runner-up winning a cash prize of QR2,222 and trophy, while SKMWA bagged the second runner-up trophy and cash prize of QR1,111. Adars of Qatar Indian Friends was adjudged the best all-rounder of the tournament, Vishwaraj (TKQ) won the best rider award and Ashiq (TKQ), the best defender award.The day-long tournament featuring eight teams had 12 league matches before the semifinal and final. The viewership both online and onsite exceeded 10,000. Earlier Tulukoota president Kiran Anand welcomed the gathering.

Anas, radhiallah ‘anhu, reported that: “Three men came to the houses of the wives of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, and asked how his worship was. When they were informed, they considered their own worship to be insignificant and said: “Where are we in comparison to the Prophet when Allah has forgiven his past and future sins?” One of them said: “As for me, I shall offer prayer all night long.” Another said: “I shall observe fasting perpetually, never to break it.” Another said: “I shall abstain from women and will never marry.” The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, then came to them and said: ‘Are you the people who said such things? I swear By Allah that I fear Allah more than you do, and I am most obedient and dutiful among you to Him, but still, I observe fasting (sometimes) and break it (at others); I perform (optional) prayer (at night sometimes) and sleep at night (at others); I also marry. So whoever turns away from my Sunnah (i.e., my way) is not from me.’” [Al-Bukhari & Muslim]Anas also reported: “A few of the companions of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, inquired from his wives about his worship when he would be alone. When they found out, one of them said: “I shall abstain from women and will never marry.” Another said: “I shall never eat meat.” Another said: “I will always offer the night prayer and shall never sleep.” Later, the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, ascended the pulpit, praised and thanked Allah, and then said: ‘Why are some people saying such things? I perform (optional night) prayers (sometimes) and sleep at night (at others); I observe fasting (sometimes) and break it (at others); and I marry. So whoever turns away from my Sunnah (i.e., way) is not from me.’”“A few of the companions” in the narration means that there were between three to nine of them, and their asking: “Where are we in comparison to the Prophet when Allah has forgiven his past and future sins?” means that since they did not have this assurance that He had, then it followed that they would have to exert more effort in order to try to attain it; however, he explained to them that one may do the things that these men wished to refrain from and still be fearful of Allah and obtain a great reward.The second narration of this story includes different things that the companions stated that they will abstain from, which proves that they were more than three in number.Also, the speech of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, in the first narration reflects that he spoke to them directly, whereas the second one indicates that he spoke generally, without directing his speech to them in particular. It may be that he first spoke to everybody in the congregation and explained that such abstention is impermissible, and then spoke to the men concerned in private, addressing them personally so as not to expose their identity to others, which may have caused them embarrassment.The fact that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, took an oath was in order to show these men that despite him being forgiven by Allah, he did not do what they planned to do, which was to exaggerate in their worship, and that reward from Allah could be attained without such exaggeration; this is because he who is moderate in his worship is more likely to continue whereas those who exaggerate will eventually become too weak to continue and give up.His saying: “...my Sunnah...” did not refer to the Islamic categorisation which refers to recommended acts rather than obligatory ones. Rather, it refers to his complete manner in life and his approach to every matter. He instructed them that the one who worships in any way other than his is not from him, meaning, that he does not follow him; here, he was alluding to the methods that monks have, who innovated extreme ways of worship for which they have been dispraised by Allah.The one who worships in a way other than that of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, has not left the fold of Islam if he did it in ignorance or was mistaken in his interpretation of the Sunnah, but if he does it due to wishing to deliberately shun the way of the Prophet and thinks that his way and method is better, then he has committed an act of disbelief.The following are some of many benefits that we can extract from this narration:lThe recommendation of imitating the ways of one’s seniors and following in their footsteps, and that if one is unable to find out about their way of doing things by means of inquiring from men, then it is permitted to inquire from women, provided that nobody will be subjected to temptation.lThe virtue of marriage and an encouragement of it.lOne may do righteous deeds openly and inform others about them, provided he feels secure from thereby becoming arrogant.lDeeds that are Islamically permitted may become recommended, disliked or prohibited, according to one’s intention.lImaam At-Tabari said: “This narration refutes the claim of those who forbid eating lawful foods and wearing permissible clothing, claiming that it is better to use harsh clothing and refrain from eating good food.” But, Imaam Ibn Hajar added to this saying: “The fact of the matter is that the one who gets himself accustomed to always consuming fine things (i.e., food and clothing) may become too habituated to them and therefore cannot live without them, and consequently, when he is deprived from them, he may commit prohibitions in order to attain what he is accustomed to. On the other hand, refraining from them from the perspective of prohibiting them for oneself contradicts the saying of Allah in the verse of Surah Al-A’raaf (which means): “Say: ‘Who has forbidden the adornment of [i.e., from] Allah which He has produced for His servants and the good [lawful] things of provision?...” [Qur’an 7: 32]lThe good deeds that are continuous are the dearest to Allah, even if they are few.lThe method of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, is the very best one, whereby he would sometimes eat in order to preserve his strength, and fast at other times; he would also sleep at night sometimes in order to have the strength to pray at night on other occasions; also, he would marry in order to fulfil his desires, save himself from following his lusts, maintain his chastity, and increasing the number of Muslims.lA warning against exaggeration in the matters of the religion because this leads to one stopping the deeds that he is performing. Also, one who exaggerates in acts of worship will eventually become apathetic, which may cause him to stop his obligatory acts of worship and not only the optional ones that he performs. Also, one who only performs the obligatory deeds is also in great danger; if he loses interest, he may abandon worship altogether; so the best way is to be moderate.lFinally, There is an indication in this narration that knowing Allah and His rights and commandments is of a higher rank than simply worshipping Him without it, and that the deeds of the heart are essential for practising servitude to Allah.Article source: http://www.islamweb.net/emainpage/

O people! Fear Allah the Almighty and know that the greatest favour He has ever conferred upon His servants is sending them Prophets as warners and bearers of glad tidings. Allah sent these prophets with scriptures so that He would judge between people in their disputes. The most effective and esteemed message of all of these was that of the Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, whom Allah sent to guide all of mankind – and to seal prophethood.Allah sent Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, after a break in the series of His messengers, when people were in dire need of His guidance. It was through him that Allah guided people after they were astray; united them after their disunity; and sufficed them after they were needy. They thus became brothers and supported the religion of Allah, due to his grace and bounty. It was due to this that nations submitted to this religion and its adherents became a luminous series in the annals of history.Due to the wholeheartedness of the early Muslims with regard to the comprehensive implementation of Allah’s laws in personal issues, financial transactions, and social and community affairs in accordance with the precepts laid down by this religions guide and leader, Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, it naturally followed that they would be victorious in all their undertakings.However, when the Muslims deviated from the correct path, the order and stability which they enjoyed collapsed, turning the Muslim nation into groups of disputing factions, whose enemies held as insignificant.This nation will never regain its past power and dignity, nor will it re-live its glorious history, until and unless its people return to their religion and practice it in word as well as in deed, in compliance with the methodology of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, and his companions, may Allah be pleased with them.As a consequence of the comprehensive implementation of the religion of Islam, no devotional act or religious ceremonies can be initiated into it unless it has a basis in the conduct of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam. Mankind have been commanded by Allah to do no more than the following: to worship Allah alone; to offer him sincere devotion; and to be true in faith. Thus, whoever attempts to worship Allah with any act that He has not prescribed will have that act rejected by Him. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “He who performs any deed which is not according to what we are upon (i.e., the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, and his companions) then it is rejected.” Such acts are held as innovations in the sight of the lawgiver and every innovation is misguidance.Among the innovations introduced into this religion is the celebration of the birthday of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, which is celebrated in the month of Rabee’ Al-Awwal. People gather in the mosques or stay within their homes on the twelfth night of that month and send salutations upon the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, with innovated phrases as well as reciting laudatory poems and prose which concern him. These poems and prose are excessively commendatory and exceed the limits that were defined by the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam,. Some people even spend their nights cooking certain types of food, to be served on this occasion. Thus, they uselessly spend their time and money in matters that are not prescribed either by Allah or His Messenger, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam,, nor were practiced by the four rightly-guided caliphs after him, nor any other of the Muslims who were from the first three distinct generations, whose merit was attested to by the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam.If these innovations were of any benefit, then surely the pious early Muslims would have preceded us in them? If they were meritorious then surely Allah would never have deprived the early Muslims, including the rightly-guided caliphs of them? The fact of the matter is that this practice was first introduced by people who lived during the fourth Hijri century.Shaykh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said in his book Iqtidaa’ As-Siraat Al-Mustaqeem Mukhaalafatu Ashaabu Al-Jaheem [The Implication of the Straightforward Way Is to Contradict the Companions of the Fire]: “Some people, due to their imitation of what the Christians do on the claimed birth-date of ‘Eesaa (Jesus), peace be upon him, or because of their love of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, or out of their wish to glorify him, celebrate the Prophet’s birthday. This is despite the fact that there is controversy among the scholars regarding the exact date of his birth. The early Muslims did not practice this, although there was good reason to honour and express their love of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, and no preventing factors existed. Thus, if the celebration of the Prophet’s birthday was something meritorious, they would have had a better right to precede us in this, as their love and esteem of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, was far greater than ours. Also, they were far keener to perform good deeds in general than we were.Loving and esteeming the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, was thus represented by the early Muslims in following his methodology, obeying him, applying his Sunnah inwardly and outwardly, propagating his mission and striving in this cause with their hearts, bodies and tongues.Most of those who instigate religious innovations are heedless when it comes to the application of the well-known principles that were brought by the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam. They are like those who ornament the Qur’an but do not recite it, or recite it but do not follow its teachings.”O Muslims! The innovation of celebrating the Prophet’s birthday, which is done on the twelfth night of the month of Rabee’ Al-Awwal, has no historical basis. In fact, historians have differed greatly on the actual birth date of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam. Some have said that it was on the second of Rabee’ Al-Awwal , others said the eighth, ninth, tenth, twelfth, seventeenth or twenty-second; thus making up seven different opinions. None of these opinions have any evidence which would make them take priority over others.Moreover, the innovation of celebrating the birthday of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, has no religious basis. Neither the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, nor any of his Companions or the followers did so. In fact, the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “You must hold fast to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the four Rightly-Guided Caliphs – cling to it stubbornly. Beware of innovations, for every innovation is misguidance.” (Abu Daawood, Tirmidhi).Religious celebrations, festivals and other such occasions which glorify Allah and His Messenger are acts of worship. Only that which Allah has prescribed among these is considered to be from the pure Shari’ah, or Islamic law. None of these events can be taken as a means of devotion to Allah except those that have been sanctioned by Allah and His Messenger, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam.The Shari’ah already contains the sufficient means with which a believer can glorify the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, and show his love to him. So fear Allah, O servants of Allah, and limit yourselves to Allah’s obligations and the Prophet’s Sunnah, to the exclusion of innovations.Allah the Exalted and Almighty said that which translates as: “And verily this is my Straight Path, so follow it, and follow not (other) paths, for they will separate you away from His Path. This; He has ordained for you that you may become the pious.” (Al An’aam: 153).[By Shaykh Muhammad Saalih bin al-‘Uthaimeen]

Nestled within the embrace of the W Doha, La Spiga by Paper Moon stands as a beacon of Italian culinary mastery, inviting discerning diners on a journey through the heart of Italy. It was a privilege to be swept away by the symphony of flavours and finesse this establishment has to offer, where every dish is a paean to the art of gastronomy.Stepping into La Spiga, one is immediately ensnared by its enchanting ambiance. The restaurant's contemporary design, with its warm wood accents and chic furnishings, exudes an understated elegance that serves as the perfect backdrop for a night of culinary indulgence.Our gastronomic voyage began with a tantalizing duo of starters. The Burrata Pugliese, a masterpiece of simplicity, featured creamy burrata cheese nestling among yellow, black, and red tomatoes, crowned with fragrant basil leaves, and drizzled with the finest extra virgin olive oil. The burst of flavours and textures was nothing short of revelatory, a testament to the quality of ingredients used.The Pizza Arabica, a delightful fusion of Italian and Arabian influences, was a medley of tomato, mozzarella, onion, beef pepperoni, and fresh chili. It was a perfect marriage of spice and indulgence, with the heat of the chili complementing the richness of the cheese and pepperoni. Each bite was a culinary adventure in itself and we couldn’t but sit in awe of what mains have to offer.Our meal continued with the Insalata Panzanella Salad, a Tuscan classic reimagined with finesse. Olives, onion, tomato, cucumber, and Tuscan bread danced together in a refreshing symphony, accentuated by the exquisite extra virgin olive oil. It was a rejuvenating pause, preparing my palate for the pasta masterpiece ahead.The Spaghetti Pomodoro was a celebration of simplicity. Adorned with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, extra virgin olive oil, and a hint of spiciness, it was a plateful of pure flavors. The tomatoes burst with sweet tang, and the basil added an aromatic flourish. It was Italian comfort food at its finest.The Robespierre, a seared sirloin with rosemary and green peppercorn, served medium well, was a carnivore's delight. The succulent sirloin, kissed by the flavors of rosemary and green peppercorn, was a testimony to expert grilling and seasoning. It was medium well, but quite well-done!As the evening serenaded us toward a sweet finale, we surrendered to the allure of dessert. The Madagascar vanilla Panna Cotta, adorned with almond crumble and a raspberry sauce, was a revelation. Each spoonful was a journey through layers of creamy delight, the almond crumble providing a satisfying crunch, and the raspberry sauce a tantalizing tartness.Our culinary journey reached its zenith with a cold selection of ice-cream sorbets - lemon, mango, and strawberry - sorbets with dried fruits. Each scoop was a burst of pure, unadulterated delight, a refreshing conclusion to a night of Italian elegance.La Spiga by Paper Moon at W Doha is not just a restaurant; it is a voyage through the soul of Italy, guided by the expert hand of its culinary artisans. Every dish is a masterpiece, a testament to the dedication to quality and passion for gastronomy. It was an evening where each course was a brushstroke in a culinary masterpiece, and the dessert a sweet encore that lingered on the palate. La Spiga is a destination for those who seek an Italian dining experience that transcends the ordinary, an Italian soiree to remember.

Ideal Indian School has launched a Gavel Club to enhance students' public speaking skills. The new club is one of the US registered Gavel Clubs in Doha and a sister concern of Toastmasters International. A total of 45 students from classes VII to XII have enrolled. The activities of the club are being co-ordinated by Boys' Section assistant headmaster Sajid Shamim and the department of English head Lipsy Sabu. The executive committee members are: Mary Stancia Fernando (president), Farha Naaz, Amna Hafiz, Shreya Saravanan (vice presidents), Uzma Sharmeen (treasurer), Luqman Hakim (secretary), Muhammed Arsh (sergeant at arms), Mohammad Sajid Shamim (counsellor), Lipsy Sabu (teacher in-charge). Principal Sheikh Shamim congratulated the Gavel Club members and office-bearers.

Three students from MES Indian School were awarded with certificates and a memento for their presentation of a model on Smart Homes at an Engineer's Day event celebrated by the Karnataka Sangha Qatar in association with the Indian Cultural Centre to commemorate the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Sir M Visvesvarayya. Rabeaman, Adeem Shihabudin, and Rithesh Manoj were the achievers. Indian ambassador Vipul was the chief guest. Ram Kumar S from the department of computer science and engineering graphics was the teacher in charge of the students representing MES Indian School. Principal Dr Hameeda Kadar congratulated the achievers.

Science India Forum Qatar recently conducted an orientation webinar for more than 300 students and guide teachers participating in the Qatar Children Science Congress (QCSC) 2023-24 programme.During the opening session, SIF Qatar president Ravikumar Narayanan described QCSC as an ideal and innovative programme for children to inspire, empower and expand their minds to scientific research.It carries the spirit and mandate of Education for Sustainable Development of Unesco.The programme is catalysed and supported by the National Council for Science & Technology Communication, government of India.Since 2015, SIF Qatar has been conducting QCSC, based on various theme and sub-themes. The theme for this year is 'Understanding Ecosystem for Health and Well-being'.The webinar was conducted by Dr Jagdish Sharma, SIF advisor and former vice president who explained the focal and sub themes and guidance on project selection.Dr Sharma emphasised that the guide teacher should help students generate an idea all by themselves and develop it further in the science project.Students who missed the orientation programme can access the recording at www.sifq.org. The last date for online registration is September 30.

Humayd Manzoor, Zainab Ahmad, and Gauri D R of Ideal Indian School excelled in the Poster Design Competition organised by Norva-Qatar, a socio-cultural forum, on the occasion of World Environment Day. In the junior category, Humayd Manzoor and Zainab Ahmad secured the second and third prizes, respectively, while Gauri won the second prize in the senior category. The principal, staff and students of Ideal Indian School congratulated the students on their achievement.

The organising committee of the 8th Qatar Malayalee Conference has announced that preparations are underway for the event, scheduled to take place in Doha on November 2 and 3, 2023.Under the theme 'Let's preserve the shore of harmony,' the conference promises to be a landmark gathering celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Kerala, India, a statement said.The itinerary will be diverse and engaging, including an inaugural session, cultural presentations, a student session, family meet, youth activities, a closing session, and an art evening. Distinguished personalities from both Kerala and Qatar will grace the event, sharing their insights and expertise.As a part of the conference, various sports competitions, art contests, and health awareness classes are scheduled to be held in the coming days.The organising committee meeting was presided by chairman Sharaf P Hameed. General convenor Shameer Valiyaveetil, chief patron A P Manikandan, advisory committee chairman Abraham Joseph, chief co-ordinator K Muhammad Easa, vice chairman K N Sulaiman Madani, and representatives of several organisations such as Shanavas Bava, Dr Samad, Sameer Eramala, Ahmad Kutty, S A M Basheer, Juttas Paul, Muneer Mankada, Varkey Boban, Dr Sameer Moopan, Jopachan Thekkekoot, Noufal Paleri, Faisal Salafi, Aboobacker Madappat, Khaleel A P, various sub-committee officials Dr Sabu K C, Ziyad Kottayam, Ashiq Ahmad, Zareena Ahad, Ameenu Rahman, Mini Siby, D Biju Gafoor, Abdul Latheef Nallalam and others were present.

Olive International School, organised a 'Communication Project Day' which allowed students to showcase their talent and expertise in communication skills. Students from grade I to VIII participated in the event. The day ended with lots of appreciation and positive comments by parents and judges. The winners from different categories were recognised and a best speaker from each class were selected by the judges.

The Yagi-Uda antennas, remnants of the early days of television, continue to be seen across many Doha rooftops despite becoming redundant decades ago with advances in broadcast technology. These antennas, developed by Japanese inventor Shintaro Uda and his colleague Hidetsugu Yagi in 1926, were in use all over the world for several decades. In Doha, these forgotten equipment serve as bird perches.