Browsing: Community
Rajagiri Public School (RPS) hosted its student-led charity carnival, Lumina 2026 on January 8, drawing crowds to the campus.The event was inaugurated by Dr Aju Abraham, member of the board of directors, along with admin director Jinsu Aju and principal Joshy Abraham, who commended the student council for their exemplary organisational efforts.Deputy head boy Gurshaan Singh and deputy head girl Ayisha Vengasseri led the planning and execution of the carnival, with contributions from students of Grade IX and XI.The carnival featured a wide range of cultural performances, games, activity stalls, and entertainment programmes.Select materials and services were outsourced to enhance the quality of offerings. The charity-focused event witnessed strong participation from parents, students, and teachers. In alignment with the school’s mission to nurture student leadership and social responsibility, all surplus funds after covering basic expenses will be donated to charitable organisations.The initiative stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of students, parents, faculty, and the school administration in creating an event that combined entertainment with community service. Source link
MES Indian School organised an engaging and culturally rich programme on January 8 at the school’s Conference Hall to mark World Hindi Day, igniting students’ interest in learning and appreciating the Hindi language. The programme was presented by students representing diverse linguistic communities from around the world, showcasing the Hindi language’s positive influence. The event commenced with an introduction by Sameer Pandey, a member of the faculty in the department of Hindi, and a welcome address delivered by Aariz Mazood Khan (class VIII-G). In her inaugural address, Dr Hameeda Kadar, principal of MES Indian School, emphasised the importance of Hindi as a powerful medium of expression and a symbol of cultural identity and national pride. She encouraged students to embrace the language and its literary heritage with enthusiasm and commitment. The celebration was enlivened by a cultural programme presented by students from the boys’, girls’, and junior sections. The performances included inspiring speeches, melodious group songs, and graceful dance presentations, all reflecting the beauty and richness of the Hindi language and culture. Teacher Mohamed Elsayed Ibrahim highlighted the Hindi language’s growing global presence while Rajendran S, co-ordinator of the Hindi department, captivated the audience with a heartfelt poem and delivered an inspiring message. He encouraged students to develop a deep-rooted passion for the Hindi language. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Khan Omer Ahmed, followed by the national anthem sung by the school choir. The celebration was attended by school officials, teachers, and students from all sections, whose participation contributed to the event’s resounding success. It served as a vibrant reminder of the importance of linguistic pride and cultural unity through Hindi. Related Story Source link
Amrit Uttar Pradesh Navrang Sanskritik Mandal (AUPNSM), Qatar, in collaboration with the embassy of India in Doha, marked World Hindi Day 2026 recently, bringing together a large and enthusiastic audience. Diplomats, community leaders, cultural organisations, teachers, students and Hindi enthusiasts from several countries attended the event – organised to honour Hindi as a global language that strengthens the cultural and emotional bonds among people across the world. The programme commenced with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp, followed by the rendition of the Qatar and Indian national anthem.The auditorium was filled with an atmosphere of pride and harmony as participants from Qatar, US, Nepal, Sri Lanka and African nations took the stage to express their love for the world’s 3rd most spoken language – Hindi – through songs, poems, dramatised street plays, traditional and fusion dances. The performances beautifully demonstrated that Hindi is not just a language but a living cultural expression that transcends geographical boundaries.Hindi Book (FIFA Ki Dhoom) written by Shalini Verma was also inaugurated by Indian ambassador Vipul. In his keynote address, he spoke about the historical evolution of Hindi and its growing significance in today’s multicultural world. He highlighted the global outreach of Hindi literature, cinema and digital communication, noting how the language unites Indian diaspora communities and fosters intercultural dialogue in regions like the Middle East.“Hindi carries the essence of India’s rich heritage and continues to serve as a bridge of friendship, connecting diverse cultures and communities across the world,” Vipul remarked. He also commended the efforts of community organisations such as AUPNSM in Qatar for their continuous dedication to promoting India’s linguistic and cultural identity in Qatar.The evening featured captivating performances by foreign participants, including children and adults who delivered powerful poetry recitations, emotional monologues and lyrical dance presentations centred on the themes of language, culture, and unity. Each performance displayed exceptional talent, confidence, and heartfelt affection for Hindi. The full house audience applauded enthusiastically, turning the event into a celebration of both art and emotion. Nita Mishra, president of AUPNSM Qatar, thanked the embassy of India for its support in making the event possible. She also thanked the participants, volunteers, guests and AUPNSM management committee members – Nikhil Srivastava, Ajay Rai, Ashutosh Mishra, Mayank Sharma, volunteers – Afzal Ayub, Kanika Mehrotra, Shilpi Sangal, Anupam Sharma and Shubham Shankhdhar whose contributions turned the event into a spectacular success.The event concluded with the distribution of mementos, certificates of appreciation to participants and collaborators. Related Story Source link
Students of MES Indian School delivered an exceptional performance at the World Hindi Day celebrations, organised by the embassy of India in Qatar on January 10 at the DPS-Modern Indian School.The event witnessed the active participation of MES students representing various linguistic communities, who came together to showcase the richness and global significance of the Hindi language. Their confidence, cultural insight, and linguistic prowess were prominently displayed through a series of engaging activities conducted by the embassy to promote Hindi as a global language.During the felicitation ceremony, department of Hindi co-ordinator Rajendran S and faculty member Bijimol were honoured with a shawl in recognition of their significant contributions to promoting the Hindi language among students. Indian ambassador Vipul lauded their commitment to fostering linguistic appreciation and cultural enrichment through Hindi language.The programme also featured a well-crafted Hindi song, written by Rajendran S, which captured the cultural essence and literary value of the language. A video presentation, edited by Bijimol, added visual charm to the performance, earning admiration from the audience.The event highlighted the school’s commitment to nurturing linguistic talents and promoting language and culture on international platforms, as well as its significant role in fostering cultural unity beyond borders. A team of 15 teachers, eight students, and their parents represented MES Indian School at the programme.The co-ordination of MES activities was effectively carried out by Sameer Pandey and Namitha, under the leadership and guidance of Rajendran S.The celebration was a grand success, serving as a vibrant platform for artistic expression, cultural integration, and linguistic harmony. Related Story Source link
Rajagiri Public School hosted its student-led charity carnival, Lumina 2026 on January 8, drawing enthusiastic crowds to the campus from 4pm to 8pm.The event was inaugurated by Dr Aju Abraham, member of the board of directors, along with admin director Jinsu Aju and principal Joshy Abraham, who commended the student council for their exemplary organisational efforts. Deputy head boy Gurshaan Singh and deputy head girl Ayisha Vengasseri led the planning and execution of the carnival, with significant contributions from students of grade IX and XI. The carnival featured a wide range of cultural performances, games, activity stalls, and entertainment programmes across the campus. While some attractions were offered free of charge, premium experiences were available for a nominal fee. Select materials and services were outsourced to enhance the quality of offerings. The charity-focused event witnessed strong participation from parents, students, and teachers. In alignment with the school’s mission to nurture student leadership and social responsibility, all surplus funds after covering basic expenses will be donated to charitable organisations. The initiative stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of students, parents, faculty, and the school administration in creating an event that combined entertainment with community service. School officials expressed their appreciation to all participants and supporters who contributed to the grand success of the carnival Lumina 2026. Related Story Source link
For expats living in Doha, the Maldives is one of the closest true tropical escapes, just a short flight away, yet worlds apart in colour, pace and nature. Beyond the well-known luxury resorts lies a more accessible Maldives: local islands where everyday life continues alongside turquoise lagoons, coral reefs and some of the best snorkelling and diving on the planet. This is a way to experience the country that is calmer, more personal and far more affordable. I chose to focus on Dhangethi and Dhigurah because together they capture two distinctly different, yet equally compelling, expressions of local island life in the Maldives. Both are located in South Ari Atoll, an area renowned for exceptional marine life, but they offer contrasting rhythms: one compact and social, the other long, quiet and nature-led. Seen side by side, they show the range and potential of travelling through local islands rather than retreating to a single resort. For many travellers, the Maldives is still closely associated with private villas, overwater bungalows and prices that place the destination firmly in the “once-in-a-lifetime” category. Beautiful, undoubtedly – but also distant and, for some, disconnected. What is less widely known is that since 2009, when guesthouses on inhabited islands were legalised, it has been possible to stay among local communities, eat Maldivian food and explore the same lagoons and reefs as the resorts, without the isolation or the cost. Visiting Dhangethi and Dhigurah reshaped how I see the country.Getting there from Doha could hardly be easier. Direct flights with Qatar Airways take around four hours, with return fares typically ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 QAR depending on season. What makes the journey especially appealing is that you can skip the capital entirely. After landing at Velana International Airport, it is possible to walk straight to the ferry terminal or speedboat jetty and continue directly to your island. Public ferries are inexpensive but slow, while speedboats are faster and still reasonably priced. Boarding a boat straight from the airport, leaving the city behind almost instantly, feels like the true beginning of the holiday. Whether or not you dive, the ocean defines the Maldives. Warm water year-round, excellent visibility and reefs that sit close to shore make snorkelling accessible to almost everyone. For those who are curious but inexperienced, many local dive centres offer introductory dives in calm conditions. For certified divers, the experience is world-class. Reefs, channels and drop-offs are rich with life, and encounters with larger species are common rather than exceptional. South Ari Atoll, where both Dhangethi and Dhigurah are located, is particularly famous for whale sharks. Around Dhigurah, sightings are possible much of the year, making it one of the most reliable places in the world to snorkel with the largest fish in the ocean. Manta rays are also frequently seen, especially during periods when plankton levels increase. What stands out on local islands is how personal these experiences feel — small boats, local guides and a pace that allows you to fully absorb what you are seeing. Dhangethi is compact, friendly and social. The island is easy to navigate, and daily life quickly becomes familiar. Shore snorkelling is excellent, with turtles and reef sharks often spotted close to the beach, and diving trips to manta and whale shark sites are easily arranged. Evenings are relaxed, with small cafés and restaurants becoming informal meeting points. It is an ideal island for a shorter stay or for travellers who enjoy a sense of community. Dhigurah, by contrast, feels expansive and calm. One of the longest natural islands in the Maldives, it offers kilometres of beach and a strong sense of space. Days are shaped by long walks, time in the water and a slower rhythm. The island’s proximity to whale shark areas makes it especially appealing for snorkellers and divers, but it also suits travellers who simply want quiet, nature and distance from crowds. One of the most common questions is when to go. The Maldives is genuinely a year-round destination, but different seasons suit different priorities. From December to April, the weather is generally drier and the seas calmer, making this the peak season. March to May is the warmest period, ideal for beach-focused trips. From May to October, conditions become more changeable, with occasional tropical showers and more wind. However, this period — including June, July and August — also brings advantages: fewer visitors, lower prices and excellent marine life, particularly for manta rays and whale sharks. Rain typically comes in short bursts rather than all-day downpours, and the ocean remains warm and inviting. The contrast between resort islands and local islands is striking. While resorts often cost several thousand Qatari riyals per night, local islands offer comfortable guesthouses, affordable meals and reasonably priced excursions. The water, reefs and sunsets are the same; the difference lies in how you experience them. Travelling through local islands offers a perspective on the Maldives that feels more human, more connected and more sustainable. Dhangethi and Dhigurah represent two distinct expressions of this experience, one social and compact, the other spacious and contemplative. united by extraordinary marine life and a powerful sense of place. For expats in Doha, it is one of the most rewarding short-haul escapes available. The Maldives key factsLocation: Island nation in the Indian Ocean, southwest of India and Sri LankaPopulation: Approximately 520,000Islands & atolls:Around 1,190 coral islandsGrouped into 26 natural atollsWhat is an atoll?An atoll is a ring-shaped coral formation built around a shallow lagoon. In the Maldives, atolls were formed as coral reefs grew around sinking volcanic islands over millions of years, creating protected lagoons, shallow reefs and calm waters – ideal conditions for marine life, snorkelling and diving. Island breakdown (approx.):Geography: World’s lowest-lying country– Average elevation: 1.5 metres– Highest natural point: 2.4 metres Formation: Entirely coral-based islandsHistory: Settled over 2,500 years ago; Islamic nation since the 12th century; independence in 1965Tourism: First resort opened in 1972; local island guesthouses legal since 2009Language: DhivehiCurrency: Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR); USD widely acceptedClimate: Tropical, 27–32°C year-roundMarine life highlights: Whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, reef sharksFun facts:No rivers, hills or mountainsBioluminescent plankton can sometimes glow at nightOne of the richest marine ecosystems on the planet Related Story Source link
At CES 2026 Las Vegas, the world’s largest technology showcase, innovation was not defined by bigger televisions or faster processors. Instead, the most significant shift was…
A doctor by profession and a painter by passion, Dr Padmanabhan turns everyday moments and human emotions into striking oil and acrylic paintings, inviting viewers to pause, reflect and connectAt Art Factory Lusail, Fox Hills, a quiet exhibition space is currently drawing visitors into a world of unspoken emotions, fleeting moments and deeply personal reflections. The reason is ‘Soul in Strokes,’ the latest solo exhibition by Dr Sreekumar Padmanabhan, a medical professional whose paintbrush has become as powerful a tool of healing as his stethoscope.The week-long exhibition, which kicked off on January 2, features a compelling series of realistic oil and acrylic works that explore everyday life, human expressions and the subtle emotions often overlooked in modern routines.“From the name ‘Soul in Strokes,’ I wanted to capture emotions, the very essence of the soul, through my brush,” Dr Padmanabhan explains. “In our busy lives, we forget to appreciate the beauty in small moments. These paintings give those moments a space to be seen.”Each artwork is accompanied by a short narrative that describes what inspired its creation, encouraging visitors not only to observe but also to reflect. The result is an immersive viewing experience where art becomes conversation between the canvas and the viewer, and often within the viewer’s own memories.Dr Padmanabhan has spent more than 18 years in Qatar, building a medical career rooted in discipline, service and continuous learning. He arrived in Doha in 2007 after a decade of medical practice in the UAE and currently serves as a doctor in the government sector. His professional journey includes advanced qualifications such as MRCGP and specialised diplomas in Occupational Health, Diving Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine. He also conducts multiple training programmes at the Hamad International Training Centre.Yet, alongside this structured medical path runs a parallel life shaped by creativity.“I paint whenever I get free time. It is not something I have to plan; it just happens,” he says. “Painting keeps me grounded.”What makes Soul in Strokes especially distinctive is the way it mirrors Dr Padmanabhan’s multicultural life journey. His Indian roots, professional life in Qatar, interactions across the Middle East and travels abroad all quietly surface through the faces, settings and emotions portrayed in his paintings.Being self-taught, his artistic evolution has been shaped by observation, curiosity and constant experimentation.“I learn by watching people, their expressions, their silences, their stories,” he shares. “I hope people can see my growth through my paintings.”His works often focus on people, not as posed subjects, but as carriers of stories, emotions and lived realities. Viewers frequently find themselves emotionally drawn to his canvases, connecting the scenes to their own personal experiences.“Art is not just about technique,” he reflects. “It is about making people feel something.”A member of the Katara Fine Arts Society, Dr Padmanabhan has participated in nearly 60 exhibitions in Qatar, including about 15 solo shows and more than 17 group exhibitions at Katara alone. He is also a familiar face as a jury member for children’s art competitions, quietly nurturing young creative talent.Despite this extensive artistic footprint, he remains humble, introducing himself first as a doctor, and letting his paintings speak for him.For him, artistic success is not measured in sales, but in emotional connection.“When someone stands in front of a painting and sees their own story in it, that is my real reward,” he says.A cultural connectorLiving in Qatar has further shaped his belief in multicultural harmony. He speaks warmly of working alongside colleagues from across the world and of the natural closeness that grows within Qatar’s compact and diverse society.He is currently also part of the Katara group exhibition ‘From Qatar’, which brings together artists of different nationalities, reflecting the country’s cultural mosaic.At the heart of his philosophy lies the Indian principle Atithi Devo Bhava (The guest is God), a value that influences both his medical practice and his artistic interactions.“As a doctor, I always ask myself how I would like to be treated if I were the patient. That is how I treat people,” he says.While realism remains the foundation of his work, Dr Padmanabhan plans to explore simplified styles, mixed media, story-driven compositions and larger-format works in future exhibitions — signalling a new creative chapter ahead.In his world, healing does not end in the clinic. It continues — quietly and beautifully — on canvas. Source link
MES Indian School’s department of Arabic and Islamic studies recently organised a motivational session, titled “Moral and Spiritual Guidance and Its Implications” for students of classes VII to XII at the KG Hall.The session, which aims to foster ethical values and inner growth among students, was attended by some 260 participants and featured two distinguished speakers.Dr Sulaiman Melpathur, an eminent motivational speaker from India known for his impactful sessions on character-building and youth empowerment, addressed the students with compelling messages on the importance of nurturing moral values in the formative years.Melpathur’s thought-provoking speech emphasised the role of spiritual grounding in building resilience, purpose, and compassion in a fast-changing world. Joining him was Wafi Shihad, an alumnus of MES Indian School and a youth mentor, who shared his inspiring journey from being a student of the school to becoming a positive influence on the youth community.Usman Mayyeri, head of the department of Arabic and Islamic studies, co-ordinated the event. Source link
MES Indian School, in an effort to foster empathy, inclusion, and awareness among young learners, organised an educational visit to the Doha International Centre for Special Needs recently as a part of its Disability Awareness Programme.Led by junior section counsellor Fashna Abdul Samad, the initiative aims to sensitise Class IV students to the challenges and strengths of individuals with disabilities and to promote respect, understanding, and acceptance.The session began with an engaging presentation by Dilna, speech and language pathologist from the centre, who introduced the students to different types of disabilities and discussed the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment for people with special needs. A key highlight of the programme was an address by Dr Hala, consultant in the affairs of people with disabilities and general manager of the centre.In her message, Dr Hala emphasised the importance of cultivating empathy and acceptance among the younger generation. She commended MES Indian School for initiating such an enriching and purposeful visit and appreciated the school’s proactive role in promoting disability awareness.To enhance student understanding, the centre’s specialists provided age-appropriate explanations of conditions such as autism, illustrating both the unique abilities and the challenges individuals on the autism spectrum may face.The visit offered a hands-on learning experience that encouraged students to reflect on the value of compassion and the importance of standing up for inclusivity in society. Source link