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DPS-Modern Indian School principal Asna Nafees was the keynote speaker at the InspireHER seminar, on ‘Empowering Women in Leadership Roles’, organised by the Indian Cultural Centre Youth Wing.

Rajagiri Public School (RPS) marked its Foundation Day with a grand celebration. Indian ambassador Vipul was the chief guest. Benny Nalkara, Provincial of Rajagiri, Kochi, delivered the keynote address. Dr Aju Abraham, member of the Board of Directors, and Dr Prashanth Palakkappilly, academic director, offered felicitations. Outstanding teachers were recognised. The celebration was further enlivened by cultural performances by students of Grades 10 and 12.

Birla Public School (BPS) made a remarkable display at the Qatar Collegiate Programming Contest (QCPC) organised by Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar. Out of nine teams representing BPS, two teams excelled in the High School category. QCPC is the national level contest of the International Collegiate Programming Contest, one of the most prestigious events of its kind. The competition is organised at three levels: national, regional and world finals. BPS team ‘The Two Indents,’ with Raj Dave and Muhammed Rayan Savad from Grade XI, secured the second prize and a silver medal, along with a cash award of QR3,000. The school team, ‘Runtime Terror’, with Riaan Shah and Sri Sai Suhaas from Grade XII, took home the bronze medal and QR2,000. Both winning teams will represent Qatar in the upcoming Africa and Arab regional contest in Egypt in December (ACPC). The other seven teams from BPS, finished in the top 20 out of 74 participating teams. The management, staff and students of BPS congratulated the winners.

The Kindergarten section of MES Indian School conducted Project Day titled, ‘Little Innovators: Golden Jubilee Extravaganza 2024’. The aim was to encourage creativity, problem-solving ability, and acquiring knowledge through hands-on projects. Treasurer A T Usman and director Faisal Mayan inaugurated the exhibition. Each child spoke briefly about their projects. The event was not only a celebration of young students’ creativity but also a reflection of the school’s commitment to holistic education, remarked the principal Dr Hameeda Kadar.

The boys and girls football teams of MES Indian School won the overall championship in the CBSE Qatar Cluster Football Tournament 2024-25, jointly organised by Mesis and Galileo School in three categories: U-14, U-17 and U-19. MES boys won the championship in U-14, while teams in U-17 (first runner-up) and U-19 (second runner-up) secured silver and bronze medals, respectively. The girls U-17 and U-19 teams bagged the championship in their respective categories, thus enabling the school to win the overall championship title. Principal Dr Hameeda Kadar congratulated the winners and the coaches Binoy K K and Akbar Ali, teacher in charge Shani G R and team manager Gigi.

The Qatar University Young Scientists Centre (QUYSC) successfully completed the 6th cycle of the Summer Research Internship Programme 2024 (SRIP24), which imparted hands-on experience in cutting-edge scientific disciplines to the participants.The adjourning event celebrated their accomplishments, concluding a summer rich in research, capacity building and innovative ventures.The event commenced with a welcome speech from QUYSC director and research support director Dr Saeed Hashim al-Meer, who congratulated the students and mentors, emphasising the importance of their contributions to the national research landscape. This year witnessed a huge surge of registered projects, with 650 students participating in 82 projects, reflecting a more than 100% increase compared to the previous year. In recognition of their hard work, 381 students who met the Key Performance Indicators and requirements were awarded certificates for their participation in research projects across multiple disciplines, including artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, medical sciences, sustainable energy, and social sciences. The ceremony concluded with the recognition of the best projects, all of which aligned with the Qatar National Vision 2030 in promoting sustainable innovation and development. The first-place went to ‘Development of Invisible Cloak to Hide the Object’. ‘IoT-based Air Quality Monitoring’ and ‘Investigating Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Pulicaria Undulata Plants’ shared second place. The third place went to ‘Advanced Fabrication Technologies for Dental Implants: Exploring the Role of 3D and 4D Printing’. These projects stood out for their alignment with national priorities and their contribution to future scientific advancements. The event also featured a poster exhibition showcasing novel research projects, highlighting the range of innovative work undertaken by students. SRIP24 introduced a novel pedagogical approach, ‘Innovation through Cognition Challenge’, which resulted in various tangible outcomes such as prototypes, research publications, and posters, some of which were displayed at the event. This unique framework empowered students to transform theoretical research into real-world application.In his reflective assessment of the programme, Prof Aiman Erbad, vice president for Research and Graduate Studies at QU, highlighted the critical role of research internships in national development. He remarked: “Initiatives such as SRIP24 are fundamental in enhancing our national expertise and nurturing the next generation of innovators. By presenting our students with real-world challenges and equipping them with the tools to solve them, we are fostering a cadre of thought leaders who will drive Qatar’s development and innovative progress.”

Doha Academy celebrated World Teachers’ Day on October 3, recognising the contributions of its educators across the Primary, Secondary Boys and Secondary Girls sections.The event highlighted this year’s theme, “Valuing Teachers’ Voices”.Doha Academy delivered three celebratory sessions for teachers and students, each involving Yalla Toys’ giant parrot mascot ‘Yoko’ to the delight of everyone.In the Primary section, students’ speeches reflected on the importance of teachers in their lives. A message from principal Edward Cooper celebrated the dedication of teachers, followed by an awards ceremony that recognised four outstanding educators: Iman Ossman, Rouba Farhat, Tasnim Mohamed and Menakshi Bakshi.In the Secondary Boys session, student representative Ali al-Madadi spoke about his teachers being ‘his family’. The session included a discussion with teachers sharing their experiences as students, offering a nostalgic and often humorous glimpse into their own educational journeys. Teachers Rana Abou Ghneim, Bafana Provece, Celeste Marx and John Zacharias were recognised for their exemplary contributions.In the final session, the Secondary Girls gathered for a celebration that included a speech from student representative Najla Abu-Ahmad. Teachers Joan Petagara, Celeste Smith, Maymouna Abo Nouh and Damian Lance Moonsamy were honoured for their dedication to their students and to the school community.Principal Cooper delivered a message emphasising the critical role teachers play in shaping the future, stating: “Our teachers’ voices are at the heart of education, and today, we celebrate their tireless dedication and the profound impact they have on our students and the community. I hope that you feel valued and that you know you have a voice in the growth and development of our school.”All of the teachers were voted for by a nomination survey sent to students, parents and all Doha Academy staff.

A get-together and competitions marked Season 2 of Onotsavam by Feroke Pravasi Association Qatar (FPAQ). Sree Chithira Thirunal College of Engineering, Trivandrum - Qatar chapter won the first prize in the mega flower carpet contest while Vibes Family Qatar secured second place and Team Pearl won the third prize. Sreedevi Murukan, Arun Das and Amina Shukoor received the prizes for the participating teams. Programme chairman Rashad Vembangat proposed a vote of thanks.

Galfar Al Misnad, in co-ordination with the Ministry of Interior (MoI) recently held a function to mark the conclusion of its month-long safe driving awareness campaign for drivers, equipment operators and staff.The session at Galfar’s training hall in Jerry Al Sammur Plant Base Workshop was jointly presented by First Lt Mishal Ali al-Ghudhaidh al-Marri from the General Directorate of Traffic and Faisal al-Hudawi from the Public Relations Department of the MoI. They focused on the latest updates of statutory traffic rules, various scenarios of accidents and violations that occur on Qatar roads, and elaborated on the fines.In an interactive session with the employees, First Lt al-Marri clarified their doubts on the latest updates and compliance of categories of license to drive various types of vehicles.Galfar Al Misnad has been conducting the campaign continuously over the past 18 years.This year’s slogan was ‘Drive to Life - Be a Defensive Driver’ with the prime goal to reduce road traffic accidents and violations through sustainable and consistent initiatives.Plant DGM P S Anwar Sadath explained various causes of accidents. Executive director Satish G Pillai, senior general managers Anupam Kar and Jayamohan and divisional managers Radhakrishnan, Salahudheen, Murali and Aparna were present.More than 1,300 drivers, operators and staff members participated in various awareness sessions, and the best drivers and operators were felicitated based on their safety records.

Qatar University (QU)’s College of Engineering hosted a STEM Day event, giving high school students the chance to experience the world of civil engineering.The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering organised the event with the aim of igniting interest in scientific fields, especially civil engineering, among Qatari youth.The event offered students the opportunity to engage with various aspects of civil engineering through hands-on experiences and educational competitions in areas such as structural engineering, environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, surveying, transportation engineering, and construction management.Speaking about the event, Dr Khalid Kamal Naji, dean of the College of Engineering at QU, emphasised the critical role that STEM education plays in shaping the future of Qatar’s workforce and its alignment with the nation’s strategic goals.“This event is an essential part of our commitment to fostering a knowledge-based economy, which is a key pillar of Qatar National Vision 2030. By engaging young students in STEM activities, we are preparing them to be the innovators, engineers and problem-solvers that our country needs to drive sustainable development across various sectors, particularly in infrastructure and technology.”Prof Alaa al-Hawari, head of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, highlighted the importance of the event in providing students with a unique opportunity to explore different engineering disciplines, especially civil engineering.

Kozhikode Jilla Pravasi Association Qatar (Kpaq) hosted Onam celebrations for its members and their families. The event, titled ‘Kpaq Ponnonam 2024’, began with traditional floral carpet arrangements and welcoming the mythical King Mahabali. The grand Onam lunch was followed by a meeting. Secretary Ravi Puthukkudi welcomed the gathering and president Shameer K P presided. General secretary Gafoor Calicut, Samskrithi Qatar’s general secretary Shamsheer Areekkulam, Kpaq women’s wing chairperson Dr Reena, Kpaq former president and advisory board member Abdul Rahim Vengeri, former president and current vice-president and cultural wing co-ordinator Vasu Vanimel, and secretary Smrithi spoke. During the event, a poster release ceremony was held for two upcoming events: ‘Ente Kozhikode’, a literary competition celebrating Unesco’s designation of Kozhikode as a City of Literature, and a children’s painting competition to be held on November 8 in Doha. Treasurer Shoukkath J M proposed a vote of thanks.Thereafter, both adults and children participated in various games and cultural programmes. Prizes were distributed. Executive member Anju Nishin anchored the event.

Indo Arab Numis Phila Heritage Association (Inpha), the gathering of Indian members at the Qatar Philatelic and Numismatic Centre, celebrated Onam, the harvest festival of the southern state of Kerala. Instead of the traditional floral carpet, a floral design was created with coins from various countries around the world. The coins were from a collection owned by Ranjith Chemmad. Onam feast, magic show by president Jayan Orma, song by Saleem Ali and fun games were organised. Chief co-ordinator Dr Moideen Kutty inaugurated the function. Venugopal and Subair K S offered felicitations. Suresh Babu welcomed the gathering.

Islam came when people were separated into sects, factions and tribes. Allah The Almighty united people by Islam and brought their hearts together, as He The Almighty Says (what means): {And remember the favour of Allah upon you - when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you became, by His favour, brothers.} [Qur’an 3:103] Islam teaches its followers to feel that they are individuals in a group and that they are part of this large group. Feeling that he is a part of the group, a Muslim likes for the other parts what he likes for himself. There are rights and duties that result from a Muslim belonging to the group, the greatest one being the way the believers support one another.The importance of supporting one another in the UmmahSupporting one another is of great importance in the life of this Ummah (Muslim nation), and without it the Muslim community is exposed before its enemy and is liable to any defeat. On the other hand, if the society members adhere to supporting Allah The Almighty and one another, then this would definitely lead to the Muslims gaining every good and victory over their enemy. This is a fulfilment of the promise of Allah The Almighty, for He Says (what means): {And Allah will surely support those who support Him.}[Qur’an 22:40]The Muslims support their Lord The Almighty, and this is attained through obeying Him, not violating His limits and abstaining from disobedient acts. The Muslims support their brothers and sisters and this is achieved through helping them whenever they need it, warding off oppression if they are oppressed and deterring them if they are oppressors. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam (may Allah exalt his mention), said: “Support your brother whether he is an oppressor or is oppressed.” A man enquired,“O Messenger of Allah, I will support him if he is oppressed, but how can I support him if he is an oppressor?” He, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “You can prevent him from committing oppression, and that is how to support him.” [Al-Bukhari]A novel concept of supporting one anotherWe notice that the aforementioned Hadith adds a new meaning to supporting one another with regards to supporting a brother who is an oppressor. The Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, pointed out that this kind of support is attained by preventing and keeping him from oppression. This is real support, and not helping him to oppress others, and preventing him from this is supporting him against his self - which is a persistent enjoiner of evil - and its fancies that have deviated from the way of truth. It also supports him against the human and jinni devils and their enticements. Such support saves him from the punishment and torment of Allah The Almighty, rescues him from committing a crime and its lowness, and protects him from the filth of sin and aggression.“No” to pre-Islamic tribal bigotryThe prevalent concept of supporting one another in the pre-Islamic era was tribal or familial support, whether this support was for a truthful cause or for falsehood. Therefore, whenever disputes arose between two individuals, the tribe of each would support the one who belonged to it, even if he was an aggressor and an oppressor. However, when Islam came, it abolished this bigoted concept which contradicted the primary bases upon which good morals are built. It substituted it with a noble moral concept that is represented in supporting the oppressed against the oppressor, even if the oppressor is a relative while the oppressed is not. This sublime concept of support in Islam is found in many verses. For example, Allah The Almighty Says (what means):{And when you testify, be just, even if [it concerns] a near relative.}[Qur’an 6:152]{O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just} [Qur’an 5:8]The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, ordered his Ummah to support the oppressed, regardless of colour and race, as Al-Baraa’ ibn ‘Aazib, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, ordered us to do seven things and forbade us from seven: He ordered us to visit the sick; to follow funeral processions; to respond to a sneezer with ‘Yarhamuk-Allah [may Allah have mercy on you]’ when he says ‘Al-hamdulillaah [praise be to Allah]’; to help the oppressed...”[Al-Bukhari and Muslim] The Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, clarified that the bond of brotherhood is what attaches Muslims, and that supporting one another is one of its prerequisites; he, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “Every Muslim is inviolable to the Muslim; they are two brothers supporting each other...” [An-Nasaa’I and Ibn Hibbaan, Al-Albaani - Hasan]The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, encouraged Muslims to support each other, clarifying that each good deed will have an equal reward; he, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said: “Any person who forsakes a Muslim in a situation in which his inviolability is breached and his honour is defamed, Allah The Almighty will forsake him in a situation where he would like Him to support him. Anyone who supports a Muslim in a situation in which his inviolability is breached and his honor is defamed, Allah The Almighty will support him in a situation where he would want Allah The Almighty to support him.” [Ahmad, Al-Albaani - Hasan]The Messenger of Allah supported the oppressedAccording to the terms of the Hudaybiyah peace treaty, everyone had the choice to enter into an alliance and pay allegiance to either the Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, or the Quraysh.As a consequence, Banu Bakr paid allegiance to Quraysh, and Khuzaa‘ah paid allegiance to the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam. There were wars between Banu Bakr and Khuzaa‘ah during the pre-Islamic era, and during the treaty between them, Nawfal ibn Mu‘aawiyah, from Banu Bakr, led a group of men from his people and headed to the tribe of Khuzaa’ah. They reached Khuzaa‘ah at night and killed a man called Munabbih. Thereupon, the people of Khuzaa‘ah woke up and started fighting them. Quraysh provided Banu Bakr with weapons and some of them fought with Banu Bakr at night. When the war ended, ‘Amr ibn Saalim, may Allah be pleased with him, went to the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, and when he reached him, while he was sitting in the mosque, he said some poetic verses describing the attack and the breaching of the treaty. He sought the support of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam. Ibn Is’haaq, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “The Messenger of Allah said to him: ‘O ‘Amr ibn Saalim, you are supported.’ This was the cause of the conquest of Makkah.” [Fat’h Al-Baari 592/7]The righteous advise each other to support the oppressedWhen Ibn Muljim, may Allah curse him, stabbed ‘Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, he entered his house and called Al-Hasan and Al-Husayn, may Allah be pleased with them, and some of his advice to them was, “Be opponents of the oppressor and support the oppressed.”Abu Bakr At-Tartooshi, may Allah have mercy upon him, visited Al-Afdhal ibn Ameer Al-Juyoosh while he was the ruler of Egypt, and admonished and advised him. Some of what he said was, “Open your door and tell your guards to make it easy for people to enter, support the oppressed and relieve the grieved. May Allah help you to support the oppressed, make you a resort for the grieved, and a means of safety for those who are afraid.”Finally, supporting the oppressed and preventing the oppressor in light of taking into consideration the circumstances, knowing the Islamic jurisprudence of changing and referring to the scholars lead to the safety and success of society.Article source: http://www.islamweb.net/emainpage/

DPS Modern Indian School organised the 6th edition of DPS MUN 2024 Conference from September 26 to 28, featuring around 220 delegates from various Indian and international schools across Qatar. In the opening ceremony, principal Asna Nafees highlighted the vital role of diplomacy and collaboration in addressing global challenges.The conference witnessed passionate and dynamic debates on topics such as climate change, human rights, economic development, autonomous weapons systems, debt trap diplomacy, human trafficking, indigenous rights, healthcare for displaced persons, and illicit trade of cultural property.The delegates representing committees UNSC, GA 1, GA 2, HRC, WHO, SDG 13, and CCPCJ presented position papers with a remarkable display of professionalism, negotiated alliances, and drafted resolutions. In the closing ceremony, DPS MIS vice president George Thomas, the chief guest, emphasised the importance of transforming learning into action, encouraging students to adopt sustainable practices in their everyday lives.Principal Nafees, described DPS MUN as a powerful example of experiential learning, emphasizing how it fostered essential skills like diplomacy, public speaking, negotiation, and leadership, crucial for shaping informed and responsible global citizens. In a video message, president Yasir Nainar lauded the efforts of the delegates and underlined the significance of leadership and diplomacy skills in developing a more equitable and sustainable future.‘Best Delegate’ and two ‘Honourable Mention’ were awarded to outstanding participants from each committee, recognizing their exceptional performance. A newsletter release, a performance by the school band, and screening of a video montage with best moments from the event were among the highlights.

The Kerala Business Forum (KBF) celebrated Onam 2024 with an event attended by nearly a 1,000 strong gathering at Al Arabi Sports Club. President Aji Kuriakose presided, with Indian ambassador Shri Vipul as the chief guest. Inaugurating the event, the envoy observed that Onam symbolises the unity and cooperation of the Malayali community.The celebration, which reflected Kerala’s rich heritage and culture, witnessed the participation of community leaders including the Indian Business and Professionals Council (IBPC) president Thaha Muhammad, Indian Cultural Centre president Manikandan, Indian Community Benevolent Forum president Shanavas Bava, Indian Sports Centre president Abdul Rahman E P, KBF advisory board chairman Ramakrishnan, and former presidents Abdullah Theruvath, Jayaraj, Dr Mohan Thomas and many others.KBF members who received Qatar Permanent Residency, Dr V V Hamsa and Dr Abdul Rahman Karinchola, along with Ramakrishnan and Rony Paul, who were elected to the IBPC, were honoured at the event.Traditional events such as the floral carpet competition, tug-of-war, Thiruvathira, Chenda Melam, Vallappattu, and Uriyadi enthralled both children and adults alike. The celebrations were further enhanced by performances of Onam songs, dances, and sports events by renowned artists. The children’s Onam games and dances also garnered attention.The event featured a musical show, cultural programmes, and prize distribution. Conveners Shamseer Hamsa, Ajay Puthur, and Biju C K led the programme.

A Filipino group in Qatar, the ‘Scouts Royale Brotherhood Qatar Alumni Association,’ participated in a forum aimed at providing overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) with information on the various services offered by the Philippine government.Philippine ambassador Lilibeth Pono opened the forum, titled ‘Labour Education Seminar and Orientation on Government Programmes for OFWs’. Organised by the Philippine embassy in Doha in collaboration with the Migrant Workers Office and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, the event aimed to encourage OFWs to remain engaged and utilise the resources available to them.The forum featured in-depth discussions on several key topics relevant to OFWs in Qatar, including Pag-Ibig and Social Security System programmes. Presentations highlighted the benefits of these initiatives, stressing their importance for financial security and insurance coverage, ensuring OFWs and their families are protected in the long run.The seminar also provided an overview of the Overseas Employment Certificate process, which is crucial for safeguarding the rights of OFWs and ensuring their legal employment status abroad. Attendees were introduced to the new OFW Pass application, a streamlined tool designed to enhance access to government services both in the Philippines and overseas. The forum also offered comprehensive information about Qatar’s labour laws, among others.The interactive question and answer session allowed participants to seek clarification on pressing issues related to their employment.

Georgetown students from Doha and DC recently united through the DC-Doha Dialogue, a programme designed to spark meaningful conversations and foster collaboration between the campuses, a statement said.This year, the programme brought eight Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) students to Washington, DC, where they joined four DC-based peers to explore how communities can work together to create lasting change. For the first time, it featured two GU-Q students studying abroad in DC. “The theme was ‘People for Others’ and social justice,” explained Zain Assaf (SFS’23), a student development officer at GU-Q who helped organise the trip. “We worked to incorporate a social justice lens into every aspect of the experience.”Through meetings with notable figures like Adnan Syed from Georgetown’s Prison Justice Initiative and leaders from disability support services, the students gained insight into how these impactful programmes came to life. The group also engaged with activist groups and faith leaders from Georgetown’s Campus Ministry, including Imam Yahya Hendi and Fr Gregory Schenden, to explore how the Georgetown value of “People for Others” resonates across different faith traditions.Jay Pacer (SFS’26), a GU-Q student studying abroad in DC, shared how the trip reshaped his understanding of social justice. “My understanding of social justice was limited to protests, hunger, poverty, and debates on social media—familiar but abstract ideas. However, this experience transformed that perception... Social justice became something tangible—something I, too, can live and influence.”During their stay, students participated in a range of service projects and cultural visits, including to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and the Museum of the Palestinian People. A visit to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial further enriched their reflections on history and building understanding.For many of them, the volunteer work at local organisations like Martha’s Table, a nonprofit, was the most transformative experience. Jay shared: “It was my first time volunteering for a cause that felt truly meaningful. I wasn’t there because of an academic obligation or external pressure; I was there by choice, helping people by packing groceries.”He added, “It made me realise just how interconnected we all are, despite the vast distances, different backgrounds, and life circumstances that separate us. I wasn’t just giving out watermelons, or pears, or collard greens, or squash—I was contributing to a bigger cause, becoming a small part of a community that cared for one another, even if only for a brief moment.”Hilltop student Betsabe Alfaro (C’25) was similarly impacted, though for her, the highlight was the cultural exchange. “Learning about different cultures and ways of life at the other campus was so interesting,” she recalled. “Talking about the norms in DC, I realised that the way we live can sometimes be quite comical to people who are from different parts of the world.”In the evenings, the group would find moments of laughter and connection. Areesha Fatima (SFS’25), a GU-Q student, shared, “My favourite part was when we would all come together every night for a game of mafia. After a long day of sessions and debriefs, it was the perfect way to unwind, relax, and have a good laugh! These games were the perfect bonding opportunity for all of us. Further, what brought us all closer was living together as a community and even cooking together. It felt like being part of a family—as we call it, ‘the DDD Crew.’”These lighthearted moments often flowed into reflective conversations, allowing the students to critically engage with their experiences. “I grew up around similar communities my entire life, and it felt amazing to finally be in a position where I get to give back. It was heartwarming to see my peers gain a new perspective on the world,” said Betsabe.As the DC-Doha Dialogue continues to grow, organisers are already planning future themes and activities. Its mission is clear: to challenge students to live out Georgetown’s values—both on campus and in the broader world.

C V Rappai is a popular figure among the Indian community in Qatar. As the CEO and director of Jumbo Electronics, Video Home and Electronics Centre and Nando’s Qatar, his achievements in the world of business are remarkable as also his association with several community organisations, particularly the Birla Public School, one of the leading educational institutions in Qatar.Now, Rappai has penned his memoir ‘A Tale of Two Journeys’, edited by Hussain Ahmad and published by Katara Publishing House. Told in two parts, the book chronicles his journey from a struggling expatriate to a successful entrepreneur in Doha and his early life in his hometown of Edathuruthy in Thrissur district of Kerala. Having spent more than four decades in Qatar, Rappai’s rise as a businessperson has been phenomenal, but what is little known is the exceptional hard work, determination and fortitude that has made him an inspirational success story among fellow expatriates. In this book, Rappai has put into words the circumstances and opportunities that came his way as also the odds and challenges he faced in the company’s growth story.‘A Tale of Two Journeys’Author: C V RappaiEdited by: Hussain AhmadKatara Publishing HouseGenre: MemoirHailing from a middle-class family, Rappai had come empty-handed to Qatar in the November of 1980, “carrying just a duffel bag which contained some clothes, banana chips and some sweets for my friends” with a mountain of debt back home. He was in “dire straits” after the sudden death of his father, having faced with the responsibilities of looking after his large family at a young age and also being responsible to repay the debts incurred by his father to run the family business.Armed with a commerce degree and some work experience from various stints back home, Rappai had looked to rebuild his life in the Gulf like thousands of people from his home state of Kerala. However, the questions lingered as he stepped off the plane in Doha: “What does this land have to offer me?; What are the local people like? What job will I get? ...” Well, he didn’t have to wait long for the answers. His first job was that of an accountant at a small shop called Video Home and Electronics Centre in the erstwhile shopping district of Musheireb.Rappai was initially taken aback as his ‘office’ was a hole-in-the wall establishment renting out video cassettes. But little did he know that he was being part of a grand expansion plan. He also met his mentors there – Jassim Mohammed Suleiman, Ali Mohammed and Nadir – partners of Video Home, who were set to change the course of his life and destiny in the time to come.Video Home did roaring business in the ‘80s and graduated to become Jumbo Electronics, a dealer of leading Japanese and Korean brands of the time. Most notable among them was Goldstar, now known as LG. Rappai, entrusted with the operations of the company, steered Jumbo’s success to greater heights, and in the process was recognized and rewarded for his contribution to the organisation. The rest is history.Rappai fondly remembers Qatar’s changing landscape that he has been witness to from the early days. He vividly paints the Old Doha of the ’80s and ’90s, and its eventual transformation to a city of iconic landmarks and high-rises. Looking back, he also chronicles the dark days of Gulf War in the ’90s, marked by fear and uncertainty for the locals and expatriates and his personal experience in dealing with the situation, and the Covid-19 crisis – all of them leaving a deep impact on the citizens and residents of this tiny nation. But Qatar was resilient in all of this and emerged stronger each time, kudos to its wise leadership, which remained calm, patient and composed and worked its way out of the situation. “Qatar’s crisis management offers valuable lessons for other countries, and even individuals -- for people like you and me,” he writes.Rappai’s success in the business world has led him to other community and social roles. He is a director on the board of Inkel Ltd, a public-private partnership venture of Kerala government for infrastructure development. He serves on the board of Norka-Roots, again a Kerala government initiative for the welfare of expatriates, and he is also associated with Loka Kerala Sabha where he served as chairman of a committee formed to study ‘Quality and Prospects of Migration’. Rappai takes immense pride in his association with these organisations where, together with other community leaders, he has been able to contribute to the welfare of expatriates working in Qatar.The book is a delightful read. Written in first-person, Rappai has kept the narrative simple and free-flowing, as he traverses deep down the memory lane to present past events and anecdotes with clarity and candour. The first part of the book is particularly interesting where a much younger Rappai dabbles in multiple roles as a journalist, politician, social worker, stage artist and a government employee. The episode of politician MA John is thought-provoking as it comes to haunt him in Doha as well.Rappai has paid glowing tributes to his family members, friends, acquaintances and mentors who have influenced him and shaped his journey. The poignant story of his dear friend P K Abdul Rahim, as also his relationship with Sreedharan Master stand out as examples of true friendship and self-less love.Rappai also shares his management principles, life lessons, business insights and observations, and his take on community development and service that have come to characterize his journey as a successful entrepreneur and a better human being. In telling his story, Rappai has also narrated the exciting journey of Qatar from a small peninsula in the Gulf to a nation that hosted one of the best FIFA World Cups ever.

The Indian embassy and community hosted a cultural fest and interaction with the Indian university students in Qatar at the Indian Cultural Centre. The event was a celebration of Indian culture with colourful performances by students, a statement from the embassy said. Ambassador Vipul highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and education in strengthening community bonds. He also announced that the embassy would make this an annual event, marking the beginning of a yearly cultural festival for Indian college students. The envoy encouraged students to stay connected with the community and actively participate in its activities.The fest featured a variety of cultural performances, including semi-classical dances, skit on 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' initiative, poetry recitations, extempore Hindi speeches and a special 'Costumes of India' showcase, symbolising the richness and diversity of India’s cultural heritage.

Two Birla Public School (BPS) athletes, Prakriti Bharath and Riya Kurian, won a gold medal each at the BWF Bahrain Junior International Series 2024, representing India. Prakriti Bharath secured her second International Junior Title by winning gold in the Under-19 Girls’ singles category. She triumphed over her opponent from Iran with a score of 21-17, 21-14. Riya Kurian achieved gold in the Under-15 Girls’ singles category. BPS management and senior leadership team congratulated the achievers.