soulful notes - gulf times

CommunityHalqae-E-Ahbab Qatar organises an

event to mark Qatar National Sport Day celebrations at Al Shamal Park.

P6 P16 CommunityNeerja Birla, Founder and Chairperson

of Aditya Birla Education Trust, visits Qatar for work on a new mental health centre.

Sunday, February 17, 2019Jumada II 12, 1440 AH

Doha today: 170 - 230

Soulful notesCOVERSTORY

World-renowned Indian musician and flautist Naveen Kumar on his

passionate journey, including playing the flute with eyes closed. P4-5

QUIZ SHOWBIZ

Tackling immense

humanitarian challenges.

0

Zarina Wahab to play Modi’s

mother in biopic.

Page 15

ON SONG: Naveen Kumar took globally famed Indian musician A R Rahman’s advice to close his eyes when playing the flute for better focus. Here he is performing at the ‘Various Artists — The Very Best of MTV Unplugged’ show. Photo supplied

Sunday, February 17, 20192 GULF TIMES

COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

Community EditorKamran Rehmat

e-mail: [email protected]: 44466405

Fax: 44350474

Emergency 999Worldwide Emergency Number 112Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991Local Directory 180International Calls Enquires 150Hamad International Airport 40106666Labor Department 44508111, 44406537Mowasalat Taxi 44588888Qatar Airways 44496000Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222, 44393333Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation 44845555, 44845464Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333 44593363 Qatar Assistive Technology Centre 44594050Qatar News Agency 44450205 44450333Q-Post – General Postal Corporation 44464444

Humanitarian Services Offi ce (Single window facility for the repatriation of bodies)Ministry of Interior 40253371, 40253372, 40253369Ministry of Health 40253370, 40253364Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365Qatar Airways 40253374

USEFUL NUMBERS

Quote Unquote

PRAYER TIMEFajr 4.51amShorooq (sunrise) 6.08amZuhr (noon) 11.48amAsr (afternoon) 3.03pmMaghreb (sunset) 5.30pmIsha (night) 7.00pm

“Education is what remains after

one has forgotten what one has learned in school.”

— Albert Einstein

Gully BoyDIRECTION: Zoya AkhtarCAST: Alia Bhatt, Ranveer Singh, Kalki KoechlinSYNOPSIS: The fi lm is about a 22-year-old boy Murad

from a ghetto in Mumbai, India. The son of a driver, his

parents worked hard to get him educated so that he could have a white collar job. Meanwhile, Murad realises his calling to be a rapper.

THEATRES: The Mall, Landmark, Royal Plaza

RacetimeDIRECTION: Benoît Godbout, Jean-François Pouliot CAST: Sonja Ball, Lucinda Davis, Tod Fennell SYNOPSIS: Frankie-Four-Eyes and his team face off

against conceited newcomer Zac, who is not above cheating a little to win a sled race.

THEATRES: Royal Plaza, Landmark, The Mall

The Mall Cinema (1): Allu Ramendran (Malayalam) 2:15pm; Kumbalangi Night (Malayalam) 4:45pm; Happy Death Day 2U (2D) 7pm; Gully Boy (Hindi) 8:45pm; Gully Boy (Hindi) 11:30pm.The Mall Cinema (2): Racetime (2D) 3pm; Alita: The Battle Angel (2D) 5pm; Alita: The Battle Angel (2D) 7:15pm; The Quake (2D) 9:30pm; Oru Adaar Love (Malayalam) 11:30pm.The Mall Cinema (3): Dev (Tamil) 2:15pm; Peranbu (Tamil) 5pm; #Qesat_Hob (Arabic) 7:30pm; The Vanishing (2D) 9:30pm; Peranbu (Tamil) 11:30pm.

Landmark Cinema (1): Peranbu (Tamil) 2:15pm; Alita: The Battle Angel (2D) 4:45pm; Alita: The Battle Angel (2D) 7pm; Kumbalangi Night (Malayalam) 9:15pm; Oru Adaar Love (Malayalam) 11:30pm.Landmark Cinema (2): Racetime (2D) 3pm; Kumbalangi Night (Malayalam) 5pm; Gully Boy (Hindi) 8pm; Gully Boy (Hindi) 11pm.Landmark Cinema (3): Oru Adaar Love (Malayalam) 3pm; Allu Ramendran (Malayalam) 6pm; Peranbu (Tamil) 8:30pm;

Peranbu (Tamil) 11:15pm.Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (1): Gully Boy (Hindi) 3pm; Peranbu (Tamil) 6pm; Gully Boy (Hindi) 8:30pm; Gully Boy (Hindi) 11:15pm.Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (2): Racetime (2D) 2:30pm; Kumbalangi Night (Malayalam) 4:30pm; Alita: The Battle Angel (2D) 7pm; Kumbalangi Night (Malayalam) 9:15pm; Oru Adaar Love (Malayalam) 11:30pm.Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (3): Oru Adaar Love (Malayalam) 2:15pm; Alita: The Battle Angel (2D) 5pm; Stan And Ollie (2D) 7:15pm; Allu Ramendran (Malayalam) 9pm; Peranbu (Tamil) 11:30pm.

3Sunday, February 17, 2019 GULF TIMES

COMMUNITYROUND & ABOUT

Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change

EVENTS

Baladna Cultural FestivalWHERE: Baladna ParkWHEN: Ongoing till March 1Baladna Park will embark you on a

delicious and rich journey this time of year, through the Baladna Culture Festival. The festivities will take place each Friday and Saturday of the month of February and will include food, dance shows, entertainment and cultural handicrafts from across the world. For further information 44246000.

MIA Park Bazaar 2019WHERE: Museum Of Islamic ArtWHEN: OngoingTIME: 12pm – 8pmMIA Bazaar will be having a vibrant

mix of 350 stalls. MIA Park Bazaar is a modern version of the old souq tradition. The stalls are going to offer a wide range of gastronomies from all over the world. You can also browse and grab handcrafted artefacts, accessories, canvases, fashion wears, designer ornaments.

Mehaseel FestivalWHERE: Katara Cultural VillageWHEN: Ongoing till March 31Mehaseel Souq will be open every

Thursday, Friday and Saturday until 31st of March. It is a perfect market to get amazing local fresh produce.

Syria Matters ExhibitionWhere: Museum of Islamic ArtWhen: Ongoing till April 30Time: 9am – 7pmMuseum of Islamic Art (MIA) in Doha

presents a major exhibition, co-curated by MIA Director Dr Julia Gonnella and Rania Abdellatif, as part of the MIA ten-year anniversary celebrations.

Artistic Gymnastic ClassesWHERE: Qatar Academy MsheirebWHEN: Ongoing till February 28TIME: 3:15pm – 4:15pmThe olympic sport using horizontal bar,

rings and floor exercises on mats for the children from age 4 till 16.

Ballet LessonsWHERE: Music and Arts AtelierWHEN: OngoingTIME: 4pm – 8pmFor more info e-mail at registration@

atelierqatar.com or call on 33003839.

Cycling: Losail Circuit Sports ClubWHERE: Losail CircuitWHEN: OngoingTIME: 5pmLosail Circuit Sports Club, in association

with Qatar Sports For All Federation,

invites all cyclists, runners and walkers to train under the floodlights of Losail International Circuit every Wednesdays.

Dance and Instrument ClassesWHERE: TCA Campus, Behind Gulf

Times BuildingWHEN: Wednesday – MondayLearn the movements of dance styles

in Bollywood, Hip Hop and also the musical instruments such as Piano, Guitar, Keyboard for adults as well kids and move in the world of music. For details, contact 66523871/ 31326749.

Hobby ClassesWHERE: Mamangam Performing Art

CentreWHEN:Wednesday – MondayMamangam Performing Art Centre, is

a holistic performing arts institution and a one stop solution for adults as well as children looking to explore their talents in various art forms. We offer classes in contemporary, Bollywood, hip-hop and Indian classical dance forms, along with classes for music, art and crafts, karate and

yoga. Additional services include dance education and choreography. For details, call 33897609.

Arabic Calligraphy WorkshopWHEN: Saturday – WednesdayTIME: 6pmArabic Calligraphy workshop is back. Come and learn the artistic practice of Arabic

handwriting and calligraphy at Music and Arts Atelier.The lessons will take place every Saturday, Monday and Wednesday at 6pm. For more

information, contact [email protected]

After School ActivitiesWHERE: AtelierWHEN: OngoingMusic and arts activities for students taking place after they finish their day in school

includes Group Music lessons, Hip-hop, Ballet, Drawing and Painting, Drama Theatre & Taekwondo. Ages between 5 and 10 years old after school hours.


COMMUNITY COVER STORY

Music cannot live without flute. The instrument will always stand out‘ ’

“There is no Naveen without flute”

—Naveen Kumar, Indian musician and fl autist

Photos by Jayan Orma

SUNDAY CONVERSATION

By Mudassir Raja

As a child, he used to make fun of singing but with the passage of time, he has become a world-renowned

musician and fl autist.Naveen Kumar has not only

gained international fame but also created nine diff erent new fl utes. His contributions to Bollywood and orchestra music have duly been recognised.

Naveen recently visited Doha. He led a performance entitled ‘Music of Bollywood With Naveen Kumar.’ The orchestral music was organised

by Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra and the Embassy of India in Qatar in connection with ongoing Qatar-India 2019 Year of Culture.

Community caught up with the easy going fl autist glean his musical journey.

Talking of his origins, Naveen said: “I come from a small town in south of India. My father worked in telecommunication sector. He is the one who used to push me to sing when I was two or three years old. My grandfather used to be a singer. He used to sing folk songs. I used to mimic him. I have a daughter and a son.

“When I was in Grade 7, I got an opportunity to sing in our school. I took my dad’s fl ute and played


COMMUNITYCOVER STORY

it. My school headmistress was so impressed that she gifted me two fl utes. Then I started playing fl ute and it came naturally to me. My brother also used to accompany me.

“My mother took me to a vocalist for learning music. My music teacher told me that he could teach me violin and not fl ute. He told me to forget about fl ute if I wanted to become a vocalist. I said okay to him for the sake of learning. But, I did not stop playing fl ute. When I was in Grade 9, I started playing fl ute for Air India. My name used to be announced on All India Radio every morning. When my music guru heard me playing fl ute, he stopped teaching me. Then, my mother took me to a traditional music school. My parents always supported me in my learning.”

To a question about when he really got a break in the music world, Naveen said: “My father gave me a book about fl utes. I learnt about diff erent kinds of fl utes. I started making my own fl utes. I got an actual break in 1984 by Ilaiyaraaja, a famous Indian fi lm composer.

“I used to work in a studio in

Chennai. In 1986, the studio caught fi re and all my fl utes were burnt. I was really upset and thought all of my life was lost. My mother bucked me up. I started making fl utes again. Today, I have more than 300 fl utes of diff erent kinds; it is the maximum number possessed by any individual in India. I have invented nine fl utes. Wherever I go in the world, I just pick diff erent fl utes.”

Regarding the lyric compositions he has created, Naveen said: “I along with my brother, who is a tabla player, have composed music for seven Telugu movies. I am very happy to be a musician because it is a learning and creative process for me. I, however, wanted to concentrate on fl ute and have established myself as a fl autist.

“In music, we have to involve both our mind and heart. Everybody can play a fl ute. But the thing is to get involved in it and give a physical reaction to it. We have to give fl ute a life by playing it. A R Rahman [globally famed Indian musician] used to tell me to close my eyes when playing a fl ute. When you close your eyes you focus

better and get a kind of spiritual help. I took the words and I just did it. I have created many fl ute compositions. I have created my own albums. There are very small things around that you get attracted to. And, it will not happen within certain parameters. It should come naturally. Initially, I also used to follow and copy compositions of many noted musicians. With the passage of time, I started creating something better. As far as fl ute is concerned, if you listen to any of my music, you will recognise that it is Naveen’s composition. I have achieved a certain kind of uniqueness.

“I do not practice with one kind of fl ute; I play a variety of fl utes. I have been merging diff erent fl utes together and creating a new song. We should create something out of the box every time. I have created nine diff erent fl utes, my own brands. I have introduced strings inside the bamboo fl utes. I have also made these strings electrifi ed.

When asked where in the world he has performed, he said: “I have played with London Philharmonic Orchestra along with A R Rahman. I

have also performed in Los Angeles. My recent performance here in Doha is the third with an orchestra.

So what, in essence, is a fl ute for him?

Naveen smiled and said: “Every tradition has its own musical instrument. People have created their own distinct instruments. Many kings had their specifi c instruments. Flute does not belong to anyone. It is a very natural instrument. A man in a forest once heard a sweet voice that was coming from small holes made in a bamboo stick by an insect. That was a fl ute. He brought the bamboo to his village and started playing it. In my life, fl ute carries a very high value. I speak with it. It is my life. There is no Naveen without fl ute.”

Does he have advice for aspiring musicians?

“The music journey is very diffi cult. It is not a one or two-day story. This is a lifelong journey. I will advise young musicians to fi rst go for formal education. They should have a plan B because music is a big game. It is like standing on a sword. They should learn music properly.

About his future plans, he said: “I am going to start master classes in India in the near future. My long term plan is to set up a school of bansuri [fl ute]. I organised World Wind Festival in India two years ago when I brought together all wind instruments. I want to continue this festival in India.

We as Indians cannot live without music. Similarly, music cannot live without fl ute. The instrument will always stand out. It will not fade away. At the same time, I tell young learners to learn diff erent music instruments and new technologies.

About his experience of performing in Qatar, he said: “This was my second performance in Qatar; the fi rst time, I had a smaller show. It has been a wonderful experience. I am happy that I performed here. I enjoyed performing with Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra. The Qatar-India Year of Culture is a mind-blowing opportunity for artistes in both countries. It is a great platform. I am also going to propose a similar concert in Mumbai.”

BREATHTAKING: Naveen Kumar during the performance with the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra in Doha.

DOWN MEMORY LANE: At the Hollywood Bowl orchestra rehearsal with A R Rahman in 2011. Photo supplied

BONDING: Indian ambassador P Kumaran speaking at the Doha show which was part of the Qatar-India 2019 Year of Culture.


COMMUNITYHalqae-E-Ahbab Qatar marks Qatar National Sport DayHalqae-E-Ahbab Qatar recently organised an event to mark Qatar National Sport Day celebrations at Al Shamal Park. The event featured various games and activities. Around 300 community members attended the event. The games were divided into two categories, according to the age group, including Junior

Category and Senior Category. Some 130 children participated in the games, including bouncing ball, 3 legged race, obstacle race and mini basketball. The event was concluded with a prize distribution ceremony. The prize distribution ceremony kicked off with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an, which was followed by an address by Dr Iqbal.

AMIS celebrates National Sport DayAl Mahd International School (AMIS) recently organised an event to mark Qatar National Sport Day celebrations at Al Gharafa Sports Fields. The event was attended by students of AMIS along with faculty members, parents and staff of the associate Al Majid Company. The event featured various games and tournaments, including football, rounders, volleyball, basketball, tug-of-war, obstacle races, tag, javelin throwing and hoop races. Parents and staff members of AMIS took part in friendly matches, including football and volleyball.

Charishma Arts elects new off ice bearersCharishma Arts, an aff iliated organisation of Indian Cultural Centre, recently elected its 7th Managing Committee. The new off ice bearers, include Mohammed Basheer, President; Rafi Mathew, Advisery Council Chairman; Raju Podiyan, Programme Analyst; Sivadas Kallullathil, General Secretary; and Ramachandran Pattathil, Treasurer.


COMMUNITYIABJ celebrates Qatar National Sport DayIndian Association of Bihar and Jharkhand (IABJ) recently celebrated Qatar National Sport Day at Al Wakrah Public Garden. Naseem H Khan, Sports Secretary at IABJ, conducted various games and activities for kids and families, including 50 and metres race, mathematic race, fast and sharp mind game, relay race, sack race, find the target and helping hand. The winners of the games were also felicitated on the occasion. Some 100 people attended the event. Sheikh Tanwir Ahmad, President of IABJ, welcomed the gathering. He urged all the Indian expatriates from Bihar and Jharkhand to join IABJ. He added that IABJ will be providing its

contribution to all the people from Bihar and Jharkhand residing in Qatar in case of any unwanted situations. The event kicked off with the introduction of all the participants, which was followed by an introduction of IABJ by Shamshad Alam, Vice President of IABJ. The event was co-ordinated by Irfan Hasan Ansari, Welfare Secretary at IABJ, and Imtiyaz Ahmed, Joint General Secretary. The event was attended by notable personalities, including Sajjad Alam, former president of IABJ; Afzaal Nasir, Advisery Committee; Aslam, Executive Member of IABJ; and Jahangir, Treasurer at IABJ. Mohammad Khalid Hussain, General Secretary of IABJ, proposed a vote of thanks.

Qeeri launches its 2019 Student Outreach ProgrammeQatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (Qeeri), part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), recently launched its 2019 Student Outreach Programme with a visit from students of Arab International Academy. The programme is in line with QEERI’s mission to inspire an interest in science and research among the nation’s younger generation, and to educate them about energy, technology, water security, environment and sustainability in Qatar.Forty-Two students visited four activity stations that represent the research work done at QEERI which tackles challenges related to Qatar’s grand challenges. They also visited its Core Lab facilities.The outreach programme aims to educate school students on the uses and benefits of green innovations, and emphasises the growing need to use renewable sources of energy, while underlining the children’s role in protecting the environment. Dr Marc Vermeersch, Executive Director of Qeeri, said, “At Qeeri, we truly believe in the power

of education. The best way to bring about a change in mindset is to educate children. They will carry these lessons home to their families, and into the future. We hope that our Student Outreach Programme will demonstrate to our youth that there are endless possibilities if they wish to pursue a career in science and research, and that they can play an important role in building a sustainable future for the country.”Dilraz Kunnummal, Research Communications Specialist at QEERI, added, “Receiving the students from Arab International Academy has been a very motivating and exciting experience for us at Qeeri. They paid close attention to what our researchers had to say. We hope that they have learned some key lessons, and this visit has inspired at least one of them to work in this field someday.”Jad Abdel Sater, Math and Science Co-ordinator at Arab International Academy, said, “Our students have definitely learnt a lot during the visit about how we get drinking water at home, how we measure the quality of the air around us, and how we can use solar energy.”


COMMUNITY

DTL organises football tournamentDoha Technical Laboratories (DTL) recently organised a friendly football tournament for eight diff erent sections of DTL, in celebration of Qatar National Sport Day at MIC Sports Complex, Mesaieed. Soil Section (SS) won the tournament against Operation Department (OD) by 2-1. Ahmed Zeyad Hendi, Manager of DTL, presented trophies and awards to the winners.

HIQ Group organises Cric Qatar Champions LeagueHyderabadis In Qatar Group (HIQ GROUP) recently organised Cric Qatar Champions League. Mubeer XI Cricket Club won the championship title against Friends Cricket Club. A total of 40 teams participated in the tournament split into 8 groups of 5 teams each. The matches were played in a league format. Shafeeque, player of Elite XI Team, was titled as the best batsman and Shabab Thahir the best bowler of the tournament. Speaking on the occasion, Syed Rafi, Chairman of HIQ Group, said that the target of HIQ is to

introduce more new teams to the championship in the coming tournaments. He also thanked Srinivas Gadde, Managing Director of Dana World Contracting Company, for sponsoring the tournament.Addressing the gathering, Srinivas said that he is always ready to support Syed Rafi as he has full faith and confidence in his abilities in conducting big tournaments. He congratulated the winning team and runners-up.

ABA Holding celebrates Qatar National Sport DayAli Bin Ali (ABA) Holding recently hosted its 12th Olympic Day to mark Qatar’s National Sport Day celebrations at Aspire Dome. Around 4,000 employees and their families took part in the event.The senior off icials of ABA Holding declared the event open. The event featured various activities and games, including a fancy dress competition with the theme of ‘The 2022 FIFA World Cup’. General Managers at various divisions of ABA Holding also attended the event. A special race was also organised for General Managers. The sporting extravaganza is one of the biggest annual events on the ABA Holding calendar. This year especially abled students from Aamal Centre For Special Needs were also invited to join the

celebrations. Special games and activities were also organised for them. Nabeel Ali Bin Ali, Vice-Chairman and EVP of Ali Bin Ali Holding was also present on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, he said, “At Ali Bin Ali Holding, we strive to support initiatives that encourage members of the community to play sports and adopt healthy lifestyles. We want to use this occasion to promote good health and sports not only in the ABA family but in the entire society as well. It is our social responsibility to be inclusive and enhance the quality of life for all.”Mohammad Imran, Head of the Organising Committee, said “The enthusiasm for Olympic Day is gaining intensity every year and I thank everyone for their participation and support.”


COMMUNITYSPORTS

A fun run to prepare for next tsunamiEight years ago, northern Japan was devastated by an earthquake and tsunami that

claimed thousands of lives. In one town, residents have launched an annual running

event a bid to educate people about how to save themselves if it happens again

PARTICIPANTS: The participants in an annual fun run in Kamaishi, Japan, that aims to educate people about the importance of fleeing quickly in the event of a tsunami.

ENTERTAINMENT: Entertainment is provided at the end of an annual fun run in Kamaishi, Japan, that aims to educate people about the importance of fleeing quickly in the event if a tsunami.

REALISATION: The hill is only 30 metres high, yet 11-year-old Koki knows that even such slight elevation could mean the diff erence between life and death in case of a tsunami.

By Lars Nicolaysen

Koki Himura keeps running along the street, past row after row of apartments, his eyes focused only on the destination in front of him: The small hill where the Senju-in

Temple is nestled.The hill is only 30 metres high, yet 11-year-

old Koki knows that even such slight elevation could mean the diff erence between life and death in case of a tsunami. “I made it,” he says in a quiet voice, gasping for air, as he reaches the temple after about 300 metres.

Eight years ago, just like him, lots of people ran up to this very spot. On that fateful day – March 11, 2011 – a tsunami hit Koki’s home city of Kamaishi, on Japan’s north-eastern coast, with devastating consequences.

“The hill here saved many people’s lives at the time,” says Tatsushi Shimomura as the sea glistens peacefully in the distance on this

cold February morning. Kamaishi, 43, did not experience the catastrophe in person. However, he knows just how gravely important it is to head to higher ground in case of a tsunami.

“Many residents died because they did not run away in time,” says Shimomura. Others who made it to the hill later ran back down out of concern for relatives or to rescue their valuables.

Many paid for that decision with their lives.In order to make sure this important lesson

wouldn’t be forgotten, Shimomura started an aid organisation with a friend. Every year, shortly before the anniversary of the so-called 3/11 catastrophe, it puts on a race to the temple. The Idaten race is named after a deity who can run quickly. The motto of the event: “Running away is a good thing.”

People should not feel bad if they run away by themselves, says Shimomura. In case of an emergency, everyone should fi rst save themselves and then try to fi nd friends or family only once they are in a secure location, he explains.

The 22-metre tsunami wave that submerged the prosperous island kingdom on 3/11 destroyed everything in its path: homes, ports, schools, cemeteries. In the neighbouring province of Fukushima, the accompanying earthquake caused a meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant.

“The water was raven black. Everywhere you looked, the water was heavily whipped up in all corners of our bay. It looked like a hellscape, where a wild dragon had been let loose,” remembers one resident from Kamaishi. Families with children fl ed for their lives.

The family of Koki, who was 3 years old at the time, was able to fi nd safety in the nearby town of Otsuchi. “Everything was broken,” says the boy. Some 1,300 of the 12,510 residents from his home town died, and thousands of houses were destroyed.

Today, eight years after this traumatic experience, Koki can smile again. “I think we all feel safer, especially after practising running away,” he says as dozens of other residents continue to arrive at the temple, including one

man who is on crutches. It”s a happy event, which Shimomura organises with the temple. Flutes play in the background, while a young man beats on a traditional taiko drum. Young families with babies have come, as have old people.

The catastrophe eight years ago is slowly being forgotten, says Shimomura. “But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. People should also keep living and not always be sad,” he adds.

Meanwhile, there are now children in the community who were born after the tsunami. “There is a generation that did not have this experience,” says Shimomura. That’s why he and his friends absolutely want to continue putting on this race – and to encourage as many residents as possible to take part, they’ve made it into a fun run.

“I’d like it if the children learned that running away is the most important thing when a tsunami comes,” says Kazuya Sasaki, who teaches children baseball. That’s because he and all the other participants know one thing for sure: It will happen again. – DPA


COMMUNITY QUIZ

In 1859 Swiss entrepreneur Jean Henri Dunant went in search of French Emperor Napoleon III, whom he hoped would help with a business

venture. While in present-day, Italy Dunant witnessed the Battle of Solferino, in which some 40,000 troops were killed or wounded in a single day. Neither parties had much of the medical corps. Dunant organised a group of volunteers to bring food and water to the wounded, to treat their injuries and to write letters to their families. He shared the battlefi eld horror, “Some, who had gaping wounds already beginning to show infection…begged to be put out of their misery, and writhed with faces distorted in the grip of the death struggle.” Others were “disfi gured…their limbs stiff ened, their bodies blotched with ghastly spots, their hands clawing at the ground, their eyes staring wildly,” Dunant wrote.

A gruesome battle sparked an idea. The Red Cross was offi cially established on this day (17th February) in 1863 when Dunant, along four others, set up the International Committee for Relief to the Wounded, later to become the International Committee of the Red Cross to refl ect its emblem: a red cross on a white background. Red Crescent (adopted on the insistence of the Ottoman Empire and incorporated into the Geneva Conventions in 1929) is the name used in Islamic countries.

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is a global humanitarian network of over 97 million staff , volunteers and supporters that helps those facing disaster, confl ict and health and social problems. It consists of the International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the 190 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Each has its own legal identity and role, but all united by seven fundamental principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.

Signatories to the four Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols of 1977 and 2005 have given the Geneva-based ICRC a mandate to protect victims of international and internal armed confl icts. Such victims include war wounded, prisoners, refugees, civilians, and other non-combatants.

The ICRC also administers a number of funds by special donations from individuals or organisations. The Florence Nightingale medal was established by national societies in honour of the renowned English nurse of the 19th century. It is awarded to nurses or nursing aides who have distinguished themselves in times of peace or war.

Working for the Red Cross can be very dangerous. Though, under international law, it is illegal to deliberately target humanitarian workers, that has not stopped Red Cross from fi nding itself in the line of fi re. In 1996, masked men gunned down six Red Cross aides as they slept in a Chechen hospital compound. Similar attacks have occurred at various battle-zones, including those in Burundi,

Somalia, Congo, Bosnia and Syria.The Red Cross has won more

Nobel Peace Prizes than anyone. It has won the Nobel Prize in 1917 and 1944, as a tribute to its humanitarian activities during the two World Wars, and again in 1963 on the occasion of its 100th anniversary, when it shared with the League of Red Cross Societies (now the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies).

Welcome to ‘Nutty’s Infotainment. YAYS!’. And your time starts NOW!

Name the book, authored by Swiss humanitarian Henri Dunant in 1862, in which he described horrors on a battle fi eld in the present-day Italy, and proposed the formation

of voluntary relief societies all over the world.

Un Souvenir de Solferino (A Memory of Solferino)

World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is celebrated each year on May 8. What is the signifi cance of this date?

Birthday of Henry Dunant (born in 1828).

What connects Swiss fl ag to the emblem of International Committee of the Red Cross?

They are inverse of each other.

Name the composition by Irving Berlin considered as the offi cial wartime song of American Red Cross.

Angels of Mercy.

Name the businessman and social-activist who shared the fi rst Nobel Peace Prize in 1901, along with Frederic Passy.

Henri Dunant.

M*A*S*H is an American war comedy-drama television series that had its debut on CBS on this day (17th February) in

1972. What does the acronym ‘M*A*S*H stand for?

Mobile Army Surgical Hospital.

What historical fi rst in sardines business was made by Julius Wolff on this day in 1876?

First to can sardines.

The Full Moon of a particular month is called Snow Moon, named after the snow on the ground. Some North American tribes named it the Hunger Moon due to the scarce food sources and hard hunting conditions during this month, while others named it the Storm Moon. Which month is it?

February.

What number did the Chicago Bulls retire in honour of today’s birthday boy, Michael Jordan?

23.

Name this famous Irish turkey.

(Answer next week. Answer to last week’s photo-quiz: Boris Pasternak. The book was Dr. Zhivago.)

What’s the Good Word?

1. Hypnagogic: (a) blocking impulses

(b) glutton (c) state just before sleep

(d) non-allergic

2. Eunoia: (a) beautiful thinking (b)

chaos (c) short sighted (d) a coniferous

tree

3. Sidereal: (a) conscience (b) celestial

(c) supersede (d) weird

4. Trumpery: (a) embarrassing (b)

fine (c) lively (d) showy but worthless

5. Tenacious: (a) persevering (b) non-

viscous (c) invisible (d) fragrant

6. Cingulomania: a desire to (a) be

in bed (b) be in open spaces (c) hold

somebody in your arms (d) travel

7. Catharsis: (a) curvature of spine (b)

synopsis (c) omission (d) cleansing

8. Aquiver: (a) pure water (b)

quivering (c) tank (d) controlled

9. Dulcet: (a) sluggish (b) hose (c)

melodious (d) inept

10. Abulia: (a) certainty (b) eutony

(c) inability to make decision (d)

eloquence

Answers: 1 (c); 2 (a); 3 (b); 4 (d); 5 (a); 6

(c); 7 (d); 8 (b); 9 (c); 10 (c)

Tackling immense humanitarian challenges

1. Name the inventor best known for his quote, “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.”

Thomas Alva Edison.(Leah Yalung, Philippine International School, Doha)

2. What was signifi cant about the trial and conviction of a Richard J. Machado in 1998? He was sentenced to serve one year in jail and one year probation.

First person to be convicted of a hate crime on the Internet. Machado, 21, was found guilty of violating the civil rights of Asian students at UCI (University of California at Irvine) by sending e-mail messages threatening to kill them if they didn’t leave school.

(Anu Sharma, Tourist, New Jersey)

Do you have some interesting bytes to share? And, does your vibe attract you to the ‘Tribe NI.yays!’ Every week two of your best questions will be featured here. Please do write to us at [email protected]

Tribe NI.yays

NETWORK: The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is a global humanitarian network of over 97 million staff , volunteers and supporters that helps those facing disaster, conflict and health and social problems.

DEBUT: M*A*S*H is an American war comedy-drama television series that had its debut on CBS on 17th February 1972.


COMMUNITYINFOGRAPHIC


COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES

Adam

Pooch Cafe

Garfield

Bound And Gagged

Codeword

Wordsearch

Every letter of the alphabet is used at least once. Squares with the same number in have the same letter in. Work out which number represents which letter.

Puzz

les

cour

tesy

: Puz

zlec

hoic

e.co

m

Sudoku

Sudoku is a puzzle based

on a 9x9 grid. The grid is

also divided into nine (3x3)

boxes. You are given a

selection of values and to

complete the puzzle, you

must fill the grid so that

every column, every anone

is repeated.

Soul Stars

BASSBROWNCHERRYDEFLACKFRANKLINGAYEGREEN

HAYESISLEYJACKSONKNIGHTMAYFIELDNELSONREDDINGREEVES

TEXVAUGHNWELLSWHITEWILSONWINTERSWITHERS


COMMUNITYPUZZLES

Colouring

Answers

Wordsearch Codeword

ACROSS1. Having returned home, have

another flutter (4,5)

6. Found to be clearly surprised

(5)

9. Say Ann’s lost a cat (5)

10. Someone bearing a fan (9)

11. A night-light in bed? (4-6)

12. Knocked out with a right in

the round, which means ruin

(4)

14. Having stopped, instead, to

change fifty pounds (7)

15. Is furious about the notices

(7)

17. As opposed to: ‘Almost the

best in France’(7)

19. They’re related, by the way,

to the wild rose I find (7)

20. Brand name (4)

22. Help more than once (3,3,4)

25. The --- plank is in front of you

in the car! (9)

26. The start of evolution,

perhaps, from an

undeveloped seed (5)

27. Switch round in the boat (5)

28. Barks and indicates it wants

to be let in (9)

Super Cryptic Clues

Yesterday’s Solutions

ACROSS: 1 Finale 4 Unhinges 10 Ragtime 11 Malaria 12 Hate 13 Spirit-lamp 16 Millet 17 Supreme 20 Agitate 21 Stroke 24 Materially 25 Flea 27 Collect 29 Compact 30 Standing 31 Intend.

DOWN: 1 For shame 2 Night flight 3 Laid 5 Numerous 6 Illiterate 7 Gar 8 Stamps 9 Keeps 14 Aim to please 15 Best friend 18 Straiten 19 Departed 22 Smacks 23 Slack 26 Omen 28 Lea.

DOWN1. Breakfast and accommodation

in the plant (5)

2. Cannot possibly lock the

child in.Not I! (9)

3. A number one iron, perhaps?

(3,2,5)

4. When the marauding bands

surround the house, flee (7)

5. They shoot children (7)

6. Fill up the containers (4)

7. It will be soon time to go in

for him (5)

8. Pets the store is about to go

in for (9)

13. By which the moonlighter

got his letter of

appointment? (6,4)

14. On and off, I’d worked with a

compass (9)

16. If it’s fragile, the shock may

be too much for it (4-5)

18. Winds up with tears: a little

boy’s (7)

19. Learns otherwise about the

daughter: it’s a defamation

(7)

21. The senior having dropped

round, dressed up (5)

23. With row upon row, they get

the same results (5)

24. Up to the B in ‘beer’ (4)


COMMUNITY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE

ARIESMarch 21 — April 19

CANCERJune 21 — July 22

LIBRASeptember 23 — October 22

CAPRICORNDecember 22 — January 19

TAURUSApril 20 — May 20

LEOJuly 23 — August 22

SCORPIOOctober 23 — November 21

AQUARIUSJanuary 20 — February 18

GEMINIMay 21 — June 20

VIRGOAugust 23 — September 22

SAGITTARIUSNovember 22 — December 21

PISCESFebruary 19 — March 20

A surge of passion could dominate your day unless you find an

outlet for it, Aries. Passion is high, so a dinner evening is a good idea.

Creative passion is strong. You could have a sudden inspiration,

perhaps influenced by a distant place. Don’t be afraid to take time

from your mundane chores to pursue this inspiration. Creativity is as

important as anything else.

Money matters may be advanced through using your intuition and

inner power today, Cancer. You might have a hunch that your idea

for making extra money might just work. Look into it at least. Don’t

let anyone talk you out of it until you know the facts. You might also

rediscover a long-neglected talent that you find useful now.

Today represents a new beginning in many ways. An old friend

could reappear in your life and bring up memories that are both

pleasant and disconcerting, Libra. Don’t worry too much about this.

It probably represents a needed release. You may also get involved

with a group that has goals you embrace. New friends could also

come your way. Expect a few surprises from all sides today.

Capricorn, your intuition might increase today to the point where

you feel like you could deduce the thoughts and motives of people

you’ve never met before. Reading the news might bring you sudden

insights as to how things are going to turn out. You could decide to

put this ability to work to advance your financial condition. Do this if

you can - within reason. Your insights are probably correct.

A fantastic evening at home with your partner could bring you

two closer together, Taurus. Your emotions are intense right now,

however, so you need to use your intuition to judge exactly how

much of your feelings you should reveal. An intellectual passion

could also come your way. You might discover a new field of interest,

and you will want to study it at home for hours.

A surge of inner power could make you feel like you can move

mountains, Leo. If you’ve been contemplating actions that others

believe impossible, this is the day to get them going. Career matters,

and creative projects could all be advanced today by careful eff ort

on your part. Give it some thought, write down your ideas, consider

all contingencies, and move ahead.

Emotions could be running high, Scorpio. Someone in your

entourage may have a problem with an authority figure and political

issues could come up. You’re likely to feel especially powerful now,

and so you might be tempted to throw your hat in the ring. It’s better

to stay out of anything political and channel that power and passion

into your own project. That’s likelier to bring positive results.

You should be feeling especially passionate now, Aquarius, especially

regarding partnerships. Partnerships definitely call for an evening

together. Professional and creative ones, on the other hand, call for a

new project that you both believe in. Look to events in distant states

or foreign countries for inspiration. Something begun far away from

home could capture your imagination.

Information received from far away could compel you to learn

more about the subject, Gemini. You might be inspired to use your

new knowledge in a project that includes a partner. Your mind is

insightful now. If you face decisions, this is definitely the day to

follow your heart. Don’t be surprised if you also find your telepathic

abilities expanded.

Memories from your distant past could resurface today, Virgo. You

may wonder why you’re suddenly thinking about them, but they

probably represent a release of old emotional hang-ups that have

been holding you back. By midafternoon you should feel more

focused, determined, and ready to take on anything. This is definitely

a great day to start a new project or complete an old one.

Heightened mental powers might make you spend a lot of time

reading or doing research of some kind, Sagittarius. Your curiosity

is especially sharp right now. You might even consider advancing

your education somehow, especially since new interests have been

popping up for some time. New friends in fascinating fields might

also have started you thinking. This is a good time to look into this.

If you haven’t been feeling like yourself lately, Pisces, a surge of

inner power could push you over the top and make you feel strong

and healthy again. You could decide to complete all your unfinished

tasks today. You could get most of them done by day’s end. Don’t

forget to take time out to enjoy yourself. You want to make the most

of your newfound strength.

Push-ups can keep heart disease risk at bay: StudyA

ctive, middle-aged men who can complete more than 40 push-ups at a time had a signifi cantly lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes compared to those who did less than 10 push-ups, says a new study.

The study, published in JAMA Network Open, showed that men who are able to do more than 40 push-ups had a 96 per cent reduced risk of CVD events compared with those who were able to do less than 10 push-ups.

In addition, push-up capacity was more strongly associated with lower incidence of cardiovascular disease events than was aerobic capacity as estimated by a submaximal treadmill exercise test.

For the study, the researchers from Harvard University analysed health data from 1,104 active male fi refi ghters whose mean age was 39.6.

During the 10-year study period, 37 CVD-related outcomes were reported.

“Our fi ndings provide evidence that push-up capacity could be an easy, no-cost method to help assess cardiovascular disease risk in almost any setting,” said lead author Justin Yang at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in the US.

The results are not generalisable to women, men of other ages or who are less active, the researchers noted. – IANS

Sunday, February 17, 2019 15GULF TIMES

COMMUNITYSHOWBIZ

Hemsworth explains his decision to get married

Actor Liam Hemsworth says he proposed to singer-actress Miley Cyrus because he felt like it was time.

In an interview to Sunday Today, Hemsworth opened about his relationship with Cyrus, reports dailymail.co.uk.

“We’ve been through so much together over the last 10 years, so (I) felt like it was time. I feel really happy and really fortunate to be with such a great person,” he said.

Hemsworth said “it was a really special day” in Nashville, Tennessee, on December 23 when they got married, as “it was pretty much just immediate family” on hand for the wedding.

Wrecking ball artist Cyrus, 26, took to social media on Thursday with new photographs from her wedding with Hemsworth, calling him, “My Valentine every single day”. – IANS

Perry, OrlandoBloom engaged

Singer Katy Perry says she got engaged to actor Orlando Bloom on Valentine’s Day this year, following a three-year on-off romance.

The Part of me hitmaker on Friday took to Instagram to share the news, reports dailymail.co.uk.

“Full bloom,” she wrote along with a photograph of herself with her fiance Orlando, flaunting her ring.

The Troy actor also shared the same photograph writing, “Lifetimes”.

Katy’s mother Mary Hudson also shared images of the emotional proposal on Facebook, with caption: “Look who got engaged last night.”

Perry was previously married to actor Russell Brand, while Orlando was married to model Miranda Kerr. – IANS

Lever, daughter address Bollywood nepotism in lighter vein

Celebrated actor-comedian Johnny Lever and his daughter Jamie, also a comedian, have addressed the topic of nepotism in Bollywood in a lighter vein.

The father-daughter duo came at the ActFest, organised by Cine and TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) and the 48 Hour Film Project, on Friday.

Tickling the funny bone, Jamie and moderator of the session, actor Vrajesh Hirjee quickly acted out a skit on nepotism fi ght between National Award winning actress Kangana Ranaut and fi lmmaker Karan Johar.

As the audience clapped after enjoying the act, Vrajesh asked Jamie if she believes about the existence of nepotism.

Jamie, who was sitting next to her father, responded: “I think everyone has their own

journey and I see no reason to compare. Everyone has their own struggle.”

Johnny shared the story of how his daughter convinced him of her career choice as a stand-up comedian.

“In London, at her debut stage performance, she had got a standing ovation. And she never mentioned about me... whenever she stood in a queue for an audition. I never recommend my daughter to anyone, for any show,” he said.

The debate on nepotism started in 2017 when Kangana appeared at the chat show Koff ee With Karan hosted by Karan Johar, she called Johar “fl ag bearer of nepotism in Bollywood”.

The comment not only raised many questions on the whole system of Bollywood work-culture and favouritism but also a series of response and counter response made the matter controversial. – IANS

ENGAGED: Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom got engaged on Valentine’s Day.

MARRIED: Liam Hemsworth and Miley Cyrus got married in Nashville, Tennessee, on December 23 last year.

CAST: Zarina Wahab, left, and Barkha Bisht will play Narendra Modi’s mother and wife respectively in the biopic.

FAMILY: Johnny Lever with daughter Jamie.

Zarina Wahab to play Modi’s mother in biopic

Veteran actress Zarina Wahab will be seen playing the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mother Heeraben Modi in the upcoming biopic PM Narendra Modi. She

says it’s special.“It’s an honour to play the role of the

mother of Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This is going to be one of the most special roles I have ever played. I hope the audience like it,” Zarina said in a statement. Television actress Barkha Bisht Sengupta will be playing Modi’s wife Jashodaben in the fi lm. She had a great experience shooting for the fi lm, Bisht said.

“I am grateful to Sandip Ssingh (producer) for giving me an opportunity to be a part of such an amazing fi lm. I had a great experience working with him earlier in Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela and I know playing Jashodaben is going to be interesting too,” Barkha said.

The fi lm also stars Manoj Joshi (as BJP chief Amit Shah), Prashant Narayanan, Boman Irani, Darshan Kumar, Akshat R. Saluja, Anjan Shrivastav, Rajendra Gupta and Yatin Karyekar. Actor Vivek Anand Oberoi will be playing the title role of Modi.

“These two characters were one of the most crucial ones in the fi lm. I am glad that Zarinaji

agreed on doing it as no one other than her could have done a better job. Barkha is playing his wife and she is doing a great job,” Producer Sandip Ssingh said.

PM Narendra Modi, the biopic will discover the journey of Narendra Damodardas Modi from his humble beginning to his years as Gujarat Chief Minister onto his landmark win at the 2014 general election, finally becoming the 14th Prime Minister of India.

It is being directed by National Award-winner Omung Kumar. The biopic will be shot extensively in Gujarat and across locations within the country. – IANS


COMMUNITY

Great teachers influence the future of generations to come: Neerja Birla

Neerja Birla, Founder and Chairperson of Aditya Birla Education Trust, was

in Qatar for work on a new mental health centre. By Mudassir Raja

Neerja Birla, Founder and Chairperson of Aditya Birla Education Trust, India, is very keen to work with the

government of Qatar and start a mental health facility in Qatar. She hopes the facility will be open very soon to cater to the needs of people facing mental health issues.

This was stated by Neerja during a recent press meet at Birla Public School, where she inaugurated a pioneering conclave titled ‘Lead the Way’ for educators. The conclave was organised by the school and was attended by over 100 educators from diff erent educational institutes across Qatar.

In response to a question about the idea of mental health facility in Qatar, she said: “Regarding the mental health facility, yes, I am very keen to open our centre here. I run an initiative ‘Mpower’ in India. It is basically to alleviate and remove the stigma around mental health and its concerns. It is a global epidemic that we are dealing with. I had very good meeting [here in this regard]. This is something that we defi nitely want to explore.”

About her fi rst visit to Qatar, she said: “I have come to the school to be a part of the conclave where we had educators coming together, a platform to discuss what are diff erent education practices. We are running an academy called Aditya Birla Education Academy, which is off ering courses for the teachers. We are educating the educators. In the changing times, the needs of the learners are changing. How do we help the teachers to brace up the new changing scenario? This kind of courses, we are off ering in our academy. We are here to talk about and promote that.”

When asked about need for training the teachers who teach students with mental health issues, Neerja said: “We run many workshops which can help teacher, parents, and care-givers to actually recognise that what could be the symptoms of mental health concerns and how you deal with them effi ciently and in a right manner. What are the things that you should or should not be saying? How do you direct them to take the right professional help?

So, we do already have diff erent programmes in India that actually train the people to be the fi rst point of contact. We have something called mental health fi rst aide, just the way you have physical health fi rst aide. So you can recognise what the red fl ags and symptoms are and what you are supposed to do. We also have workshops on parenting, emotional trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicide prevention and drug abuse. We carry out diff erent activities

to create awareness and to foster education also.”

Earlier, addressing the conclave, Neerja said: “I truly believe that teachers are a special tribe, blessed with the great power and responsibilities to not only shape the minds but also to ignite the spirit. Good teachers infl uence education of their students. Great teachers infl uence the future of generations to come.”

Neerja Birla is also the chairperson of Aditya Birla World

Academy, Aditya Birla Integrated School, Aditya Birla Education Academy and ‘Mpower’.

The conclave was a wholesome platform for all important stakeholders in education to discuss current technological and pedagogical trends in the education sector.

Lukose Chacko, Chairman of Birla Public School, delivered the welcome speech.

R K Dalmia, President of Century Textiles and Industrial Limited, Mumbai; P Kumaran, ambassador of India to Qatar; and senior governing council members of BPC also addressed the assembly, delineating new principles and ideologies in modern teaching.

Gope Shahani, Vice Chairman BPS; Dr Mohan Thomas, C V Rappai and Maria Pakalomattom, BPS directors; also graced the occasion. Principals from diff erent schools and colleges were the distinguished panellists of the discussion on ‘Technology and the teacher.’

As the moderator, A P Sharma, BPS Principal, lead the team of panellists. Dr Ravinder Mamtani, Professor of Medicine (Centre for Global Health) and Senior Associate Dean for Population Health and Capacity Building, at Weill Cornell Medicine; Dr Alexander S. Acosta, Principal of Philippine School Doha; Manjari Recriwal, Principal of Pearl School Doha; Dr Subhash B. Nair, Principal of Shantiniketan Indian School, Doha; and Ankur Gopal Miglani, Governor of Board of Governors Doha College; were the panelists, who enlightened the educators. They concluded that the teachers cannot be replaced by technology but they need to use technology to stimulate their students.

PRESS MEET: Neerja Birla, right, with R K Dalmia, President of Century Textiles and Industrial Limited, Mumbai.Photo by Ram Chand

CEREMONY: Neerja Birla, second right, along with P Kumaran, Ambassador of India, third left, lighting the lamp. Photo supplied

“I run an initiative ‘Mpower’ in India. It is basically to alleviate and remove the stigma around mental health and its concerns. It is a global epidemic that we are dealing with”

— Neerja Birla

soulful notes - gulf times

Documents