Community Community BFIS principal About 150 says the former school is students P6result-oriented but P16 of DPS-Modern does not forget other Indian School get important aspects of a together for an student’s grooming. alumni meet.

Wednesday, December 28, 2016 Rabia I 29, 1438 AH

DOHA 18°C—26°C TODAY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE 11 PUZZLES 12 & 13 To use or not to use

In Apple’s backyard, iPads COVER STORY ignite furore in schools. P4-5 2 GULF TIMES Wednesday, December 28, 2016 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

PRAYER TIME Fajr 4.56am Shorooq (sunrise) 6.18am Zuhr (noon) 11.35am Asr (afternoon) 2.33pm Maghreb (sunset) 4.54pm Isha (night) 6.24pm

USEFUL NUMBERS

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Tony Gilroy, from a story by John Knoll and Gary Whitta. It is Directed by: Gareth Edwards the fi rst stand-alone fi lm in the Star Wars Anthology series. The Written by: Chris Weitz and Tony Gilroy story follows Jyn Erso, the daughter of the unwilling designer Emergency 999 Cast: Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Alan Tudyk of the Galactic Empire’s superweapon, the Death Star, and her Worldwide Emergency Number 112 Synopsis: Rogue One is a 2016 American epic space opera quest to retrieve his plans for destroying it. Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991 fi lm directed by Gareth Edwards and written by Chris Weitz and Theatre: Villaggio Local Directory 180 International Calls Enquires 150 Hamad International Airport 40106666 Labor Department 44508111, 44406537 Mowasalat Taxi 44588888 Qatar Airways 44496000 Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222, 44393333 Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation 44845555, 44845464 Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333 44593363 Qatar Assistive Technology Centre 44594050 Qatar News Agency 44450205 44450333 Q-Post – General Postal Corporation 44464444

Humanitarian Services Offi ce (Single window facility for the repatriation of bodies) Ministry of Interior 40253371, 40253372, 40253369 Ministry of Health 40253370, 40253364 Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365 Qatar Airways 40253374 Moana Animation Studios. In Ancient Polynesia, when a terrible Directed by: Ron Clements, John Musker curse incurred by Maui reaches an impetuous Chieftain’s Written by: Jared Bush daughter’s island, she answers the Ocean’s call to seek out the Cast: Auli’i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Rachel House daemon to set things right. Synopsis: Moana is a 3D computer-animated musical fantasy comedy adventure fi lm produced by Walt Disney Theatre: Villaggio ote Unquo Qu te You’ll Mall Cinema (1): Dangal 8pm; Dangal (Hindi) 11pm. (Hindi) 2pm; Saptagiri Express Royal Plaza Cinema Palace never fi nd peace of (Telugu) 5pm; Passengers (2D) (2): Dangal (Hindi) 2:15pm; mind until you listen to 7:30pm; Office Christmas Party Christmas Party (2D) 7:30pm; Office Christmas Party(2D) (2D) 9:30pm; Passengers (2D) Passengers (2D) 9:30pm; 5:15pm; Collateral Beauty (2D) your heart. 11:30pm. Passengers (2D) 11:30pm. 7:15pm; Passengers (2D) 9:15pm; — George Michael Mall Cinema (2): Sing (2D) 2pm; Landmark Cinema (2): Sing Passengers (2D) 11:15pm. Sing (2D) 4pm; Sing (2D) 6pm; (2D) 2pm; Sing (2D) 4pm; Sing Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (3): Dangal (Hindi) 8pm; Dangal (2D) 6pm; Dangal (Hindi) 8:30pm; The Last King (2D) 2pm; Moana (Hindi) 11pm. Dangal (Hindi) 11pm. (2D) 3:45pm; Blackburn (2D) Mall Cinema (3): 10 Kalppanakal Landmark Cinema (3): 5:45pm; Saber Google (Arabic) (Malayalam) 1:15pm; Moana (2D) Blackburn (2D) 2pm; Moana (2D) 7:15pm; Office Christmas Party 3:30pm; Office Christmas Party 3:30pm; Saber Google (Arabic) (2D) 9:30pm; Passengers (2D) (2D) 5:30pm; Saber Google 5:30pm; The Last King (2D) 11:30pm. Community Editor (Arabic) 7:30pm; The Last King 7:45pm; Office Christmas Party Asian Town Cinema: Dangal Kamran Rehmat (2D) 9:30pm; Saber Google (2D) 9:30pm; 10 Kalppanakal (Hindi) 6:15, 7, 9:30 & 10:15pm; e-mail: [email protected] (Arabic) 11:30pm. (Malayalam) 11:30pm. Katapana (Malayalam) 8:30 Telephone: 44466405 Landmark Cinema (1): 10 Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (1): & 11:15pm; Ore Mukham Kalppanakal (Malayalam) 2:15pm; Sing (2D) 2pm; Sing (2D) 4pm; (Malayalam) 6pm; 10 Kalapanakal Fax: 44350474 Dangal (Hindi) 4:30pm; Office Sing (2D) 6pm; Dangal (Hindi) (Malayalam) 5:30, 8, & 10:30pm. Wednesday, December 28, 2016 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

entertainment. Live music every Friday with Instructors (WMI) training programmes by a variety of your favourite local bands and Knightsbridge PME (UK). Tavola conducts occasional surprises of bigger performers! sugar-crafting programmes and also off ers Entrance: QR100 for gents including one programmes in baking and chocolate making. beverage/ladies free entrance until 8:30pm, after it will be QR65 for ladies including one Fitness Training beverage. DATE: Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday TIME: 6pm-7pm Fragments VENUE: MIA Park DATE: Until January 30 There are fi tness classes in the park on VENUE: Katara Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday nights In this exhibition, Mahmoud Obaidi between 6 and 7pm. Open to all levels of retraces the ‘organised chaos’ that led to the fi tness, Bootcamp is an intensive and fun destruction of Iraq, and presents a response way to train and also meet new people in the to witnessing the city of Baghdad fall piece by open and friendly group atmosphere. More piece. Obaidi recreates what has been stolen information, from Bootcamp, Qatar or info@ or destroyed to try to piece the city back bootcampqatar.com together again.

EVENTS Muhammad Ali: Tribute to a Legend DATE: Until February 25, 2017 Moments WHERE: Eastern Gallery, 4th Floor, Salam International Investment Ltd (SIIL) Museum of Islamic Art is hosting unique archival photography The temporary exhibition is curated by exhibition titled Moments in memory of Qatar Museums’ 3-2-1 Olympic and Sports HH the Grandfather Emir Sheikh Khalifa Museum and presents a unique collection bin Hamad al-Thani, paying tribute to the of artefacts from the boxing legend’s career, nation’s Grandfather Emir and recognising including photography from Ali’s outdoor Tumbao Latin Nights his contribution to Qatar’s progress. Held exhibition bout at the Doha Stadium in 1971 DATE: Every Sunday at The Gate Mall’s Maysaloun Hall, the and memorabilia spanning his journey to VENUE: Grand Hyatt Hotel exhibition draws from the private collection the 1960 Rome Olympics; Ali’s world title Tumbao is not only a salsa rhythm, it of the Abu Issa family, bringing them out winning bout against Sonny Liston in 1964 enables you to share in the creative fl ow for a public showing. The collection off ers and his fi nal world title winning fi ght against of life and get connected to the beat and FOODIE’S CHOICE a fascinating glimpse into the country’s Leon Spinks in New Orleans in 1978. dance. Join us every Sunday at Dunes with historic journey, with a prime focus on the the fellow Latin dancers in town and nightly RESTAURANT: P.F. Chang’s Grandfather Emir, making it a must-see event competitions with valuable prizes brought LOCATION: Villaggio Mall for Qatar’s nationals, expatriates, students to you by Salsa n Candela. For more info & P. F. Chang’s is an Asian-themed US casual and photography enthusiasts. reservation, contact 44481280. dining restaurant chain founded in 1993 Moments is open to the public until by Paul Fleming, owned and operated by January 7, 2017 from 10am to 10pm. Cake Decoration Classes Centerbridge Partners and headquartered in DATE: Morning and evening Scottsdale, Arizona. Open daily from 11am to Al Gannas VENUE: Tavola Royal Plaza, Al Saad Street 11pm, this restaurant serves some interesting (For school students) Tavola off ers a range of cake decorating and American interpretations of Chinese Until March 31, 2017 kitchen skills classes. It is the only authorised cuisine. Their portion sizes are decent and 9am–Noon Wilton method provider in the Middle can be served with brown rice. They highly Al Gannas Society East. It is authorised by Wilton enterprises recommend their Dynamite Shrimp in the Free ( For boys only, requires to conduct classes in the Wilton Method starters’ menu. A meal here would cost about registration) cake decorating and the Wilton Method QR220 for two people. Al Gannas association is participating in the “Our culture is a school” programme, by organising many activities for the students every Monday and Wednesday of the week. These activities include explanations on hunting and related items tools, kinds of falcons and preys, in addition to workshop on how to carry a falcon, set a traditional tent (made of goat & camel heir), prepare Qatar Music Academy traditional Arabic coff ee and start a fire. For (For school students) further details, visit katara.net Until March 28, 2017 11am-2pm Free (Requires registration) Qatar Music Academy focuses on teaching its students the principles of Arab and Western music. As part of the “Our Culture is a School” programme, Qatar Music Academy has off ered interested schools the opportunity to attend various workshops. These workshops will include an introduction to Arab and Western music and instruments, as well as the teachers giving a brief overview of the educational music programmes at the Academy. For further details, visit katara.net Treasures of China DATE: Until January 7, 2017 The Backyard VENUE: Museum of Islamic Art DATE: Every Friday Terracotta soldiers from the First Emperor’s Terracotta Army will be on show at the Museum TIME: 6pm of Islamic Art where visitors will get the chance to meet the warriors who guarded a hidden VENUE: Sheraton Grand Doha empire. The exhibition will display 116 pieces dating from the Neolithic period to the Qing The Backyard is a fi rst-of-its-kind venue Dynasty, spanning over 5,000 years of China’s history. Potteries, bronzes, jades, porcelains, in Doha and brought to you by Candela gold, silver, enamel and many other Chinese treasures will be on show.

E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Wednesday, December 28, 2016 COMMUNITY COVER STORY

Apple of the eye for some, not quite for others Off icials and many teachers say the iPads as innovative learning tools. Students, it seems, are thrilled to have them. But many parents question the benefit of the devices, and hundreds have signed a petition to limit their use, writes Sharon Noguchi

n the shadow of Apple’s headquarters, an although it has no quantifi able evidence of better law mandating free public education and barring initiative requiring public middle schoolers learning. He said principals talk to parents about districts from making parents pay for required to use iPads in class and at home has added how to rein in excessive video-gaming. school supplies. The district hasn’t required to a battle over education in the digital age. Apple had no comment on Cupertino’s parents to buy them. With much negotiation, School district offi cials and many programme, and Bowman said the company didn’t some parents have arranged for their children to Iteachers say the iPads as innovative learning tools. infl uence the district’s decision to use its product. use laptops or even paper. But parents say they Students, it seems, are thrilled to have them. But It’s common for school districts to provide feel school and social pressure to go along with the many parents in the affl uent district question the students computers or tablets for class use. A iPad programme. benefi t of the devices, and hundreds have signed a small but growing number now require students “Nobody wants their kid to be the outlier,” Berry petition to limit their use. to use those devices, or their own, for homework, said. They say the iPads have introduced new too. Parents like Vaishnavi Sridhar, mother of a problems, like privacy and video-game Few, however, specify a manufacturer such as sixth-grader, said Bragg indicated at a meeting distractions. And they resent being asked to pay Apple, whose products tend to cost more than that district-owned devices were reserved for hundreds of dollars for school equipment that devices like Chromebooks, designed for use with needy students. state law says is the district’s responsibility. Google software. Bowman said they chose iPads “A lot of families that day went back home “iPads are entertainment devices,” said Noemi because they considered them more durable and thinking they had to buy an iPad,” Sridhar said. Berry, a network engineer and mother of a versatile, and to off er instructional advantages. Victor Leung of the American Civil Liberties seventh-grader and two other children. “They’re Cupertino’s 1-to-1 — one device per pupil Union’s Southern California branch, which sued not designed for education, and they’re very hard — programme has cost the district at least the state over schools charging fees or requiring to restrict. I have a 12-year-old boy who has a $363,000 this school year for hardware, software, supplies, said that, technically, Cupertino horrible screen-addiction problem.” management, security and teacher training. complies with the law by off ering to provide So far, the iPad proponents are winning, and The programme is in three middle schools and devices. But he added that, legally, districts soon hundreds more Cupertino middle-schoolers expanding to two others early next year. Bond cannot pressure students to buy equipment and will be expected to use iPads linking them to their proceeds help pay for a supply of loaner iPads for supplies. lessons, resources and the Internet. students whose parents do not provide them one. The cost is only a small part of some parents’ Cupertino Union School District spokesman But school offi cials, who started the programme objections to the iPad programme. Linda Wang Jeff Bowman said putting iPads in every middle- three years ago at Lawson Middle School, implied said her son’s grades plummeted after he schooler’s hands has improved the quality of that it was families’ responsibility to provide the delightedly received his iPad. She takes the device their work. Language ability, behaviour and devices, which cost $563. with her when she leaves the house, and hides it organisational skills are better, the district says, In doing so, they tread carefully around state from him at night. Wednesday, December 28, 2016 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY

IN CHARGE: Laura Plamondon teaches her class of iPad-enabled sixth graders at Lawson Middle School in Cupertino, California.

“We cannot control his usage at all,” Wang plans to form a task force to review its said. Her family, which moved into the district Vidya Sundaresan chose educational technology use; meanwhile, it’s last year, is now considering leaving out of to keep her son out of the expanding its iPads-for-all programme to two frustration over the iPad. “I regret so much other middle schools. moving to Cupertino,” she said. iPad programme altogether. But some parents have arranged for their For some instructors, however, the devices children to use a district-owned iPad while have transformed teaching. Andi Jackson, She and her husband, both at school. Those devices don’t come home. who teaches eighth-grade English and social scientists, have seen no proof An online petition is asking the Cupertino studies, said iPads off er students many ways to district to standardise that practice, providing show what they’ve learned. that iPads improve learning iPads for students and keeping them in the “Before the iPad,” Jackson said, “there was classroom. It has attracted more than 650 basically one way — write an essay and turn and worry the devices could signatures. it in.” Lawson parent Vidya Sundaresan chose Peter Chu, a software executive whose increase risk of ergonomic to keep her son out of the iPad programme daughter Ashley is a ninth-grader at problems and eye strain altogether. She and her husband, both Cupertino High School, sees the iPad as a scientists, have seen no proof that iPads phenomenal education tool that’s “creative, improve learning and worry the devices could engaging and appropriate for this day and age.” “Making a story about an event lets me better increase risk of ergonomic problems and eye strain. Ashley said the classes at Lawson in which remember that,” she said. Of about 180 Lawson Parent Carrie O’Leary shares their concern. teachers embraced the iPads were her favourites. parents who responded to a district survey “I’m not against Apple products at all,” said One of her memorable assignments was creating last year, just under half said they valued their O’Leary, whose husband is an Apple engineer. “I a video explaining how palaeontology proves children’s’ iPad work. A third said it had improved just want sensible policy.” — The Mercury News evolution. their kids’ attitude toward school. The district (San Jose, California)/TNS 6 GULF TIMES Wednesday, December 28, 2016 COMMUNITY Hungarian envoy praises Katara’s eff orts

The General Manager of the Cultural Village Foundation-Katara, Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al- For his part, the Hungarian envoy expressed thanks to the Dr al-Sulaiti for his significant Sulaiti, met Dr Elter Istvan, Ambassador of Hungary, on Tuesday following the conclusion co-operation and efforts to help the embassy host cultural performances at Katara. of his diplomatic mission in Qatar. Dr al-Sulaiti expressed gratitude and appreciation to the To mark the occasion, Katara’s general manager presented a memento to the Hungarian Hungarian ambassador for his continuous efforts and constant keenness to strengthen and envoy – a painting created by a Qatari artist. The Hungarian ambassador presented to the develop bilateral cultural co-operation between the embassy and Katara, and applauded his Cultural Village a historical souvenir embodying a five-hundred-year-old painting of may of great role in building a distinct cultural relationship between Qatar and Hungary. earth that was completed by Al-Adrisi al-Seqali.

MOTORING INFINITI measures the excitement that Q50 Red Sport 400 generates

aunched under the banner of ‘Unleash measured through a range of brain metrics. model) to determine whether driving the they were disinterested. This is in stark contrast Your Potential’, INFINITI Middle East In this innovative collaboration between Q50 Red Sport 400 elicited optimal levels of to another generic driving experience (racing in collaboration with Emotiv Inc has INFINITI Middle East and Emotiv Inc., the performance in these metrics. simulator) (mean 0.507), where it displays a validated that drivers of the Q50 Red real-time neural reactions of individuals were The fi rst of the key measurements that were much more spread out distribution. Sport 400 achieved optimal levels of measured as they got behind the wheel of the evaluated was excitement (arousal). While The post-driving data shows that the enjoyment,L excitement and focus. Through the recently launched INFINITI Q50 Red Sport driving, all participants reached the optimal individuals were more relaxed, but still data obtained from a representative sample of 400. All data gathered was analysed by the arousal zone (mean 0.582) according to the somewhat excited (mean 0.495). This is nearly 100 test drives, INFINITI showed that experts at Emotiv Inc. to ensure a thorough and H-Y-D curve, indicated by the sharp spike in indicated by the green curve following a the car captures the excitement engagement unbiased interpretation of the data. blue. This means that they experienced the shape that roughly mirrors that of the driving and focus of drivers while still allowing them The data was evaluated against a perfect level of excitement whilst driving the curve, suggesting an ‘after-glow’ eff ect of the to enjoy the ride and was superior to that scientifi cally validated behavioural Red Sport 400 – not so high that they would experience as they sat in the car after driving of another generic driving experience, as performance model (Hebbian-Yerkes-Dodson lose control of their emotions or so low that the Red Sport 400.

Frequency distribution of excitement that drivers felt in Q50 Red Sport 400 versus control Hebbian version of the Yerkes–Dodson law. Photo: Wikipedia markers. Wednesday, December 28, 2016 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY

IIS students go scientific for Scindilla 16

The students of Ideal Indian School put up a wide variety of scientific models and projects of the Solar System were some of the projects on display. Prizes were awarded to the best projects. at Scindilla 16. Principal Syed Shoukath Ali inaugurated the exhibition. A homemade washing The heads of sections and departments also attended the exhibition, which was conducted by the machine, air conditioner, vacuum cleaner, hydraulic cranes, sewage treatment plant, and a model science department.

MES pupil wins accolade In an art competition conducted by the South African Embassy School for the students of 54 expatriate schools, the art work of Amal Zen of MES Indian School finished second among a total of 500 entries. South African ambassador Saad Cachalla distributed prizes and certificates to the winners. 8 GULF TIMES Wednesday, December 28, 2016 COMMUNITY Bright Future Internation ‘a multicultural home to s

Students are encouraged to take part in extra-curricular activities.

This, he says, speaks volume of the BFIS has templates and forums quality of the education system that for students. There is an English this institution has given. speaking society, where students In the last term, fi ve of their practice conversing in English and students got admission to Weil also learn presentation skills. They BFIS Principal Imran Waheed says their teaching is focused on students. Carnell Medical College in Qatar. also learn about IT skills. Others have been admitted to leading Waheed says they employ studying in classes from Reception BFIS, tells Community in an interview, intuitions in Pakistan, Europe, US, information technology in their By Umer Nangiana (age group 3 & above) to class XII, explaining the reasons that make it and elsewhere. teaching methods as well. The which are separated into diff erent tick for the school. Very recently, one of their students classrooms have smart boards and streams of Matric, FSc, IGCSEL, AS “The beauty of this place is that represented Qatar in the International every staff member has an individual oasting of a clear objective Level and A-Level classes from Class we have children of 34 nationalities Spelling Bee competition in Denmark. laptop. The lessons are given on smart to impart quality VIII onwards. and one of our strongest points is our “This girl was selected from more interactive boards. education, Bright Future Affi liated with the Federal Board cultural diversity,” says Waheed. than 45 schools in Doha. She was “We do not believe in one-way International School of Intermediate and Secondary The school principal says they honoured to represent Qatar with communication. We believe in an (BFIS) has achieved an au Education, Islamabad, BFIS has seen strive for academic excellence the Qatari fl ag in hand,” says the interactive class where the students faitB reputation within the span of a signifi cant growth over last twelve coupled with grooming of students in principal. are not only heard, they are also asked few years. years, essentially catering to the local line with socio-cultural ethos. BFIS Waheed says that while they to come up with creative concepts. It is the only Asian school that is Pakistan community. is also a cost eff ective school and a are result-oriented in their Then we have sports days and inter- off ering IGCSE to the residents of “This school took shape in 1996 service provider, he adds. teaching methods, they do not house competitions in diff erent Doha at the moment and is one of the when it was meant only for Pakistani “We have excellent results and forget other aspects that include extra-curricular activities,” says the very few schools that off ers AS-Level community living in Doha. But are one of very few schools in Doha creativity, synthesis and personality BFIS principal. and A-Level classes. The school is a gradually it started expanding and that are accredited by the evaluation development. Although the school changed its recognised exam and study centre of then it was moved to a purpose-built committee of the ministry of “We are result-oriented because name to international, it does not Edexcel, London Board, UK. campus. At present we have 2,400 education. And this accreditation the parent body or the clientele that mean they are changing the dynamic The school hosts students from students and we follow the British is awarded after an inspection and we have is very focused and have of it, he adds. It is still affi liated with more than 30 diff erent nationalities curriculum and FBISE Pakistan side follow up for about two years,” says targets in mind. They trust in us,” says FBISE. But if you compare the A-level and has more than 2,400 students by side,” Imran Waheed, Principal of Waheed. Waheed. results with other international Wednesday, December 28, 2016 GULF TIMES 9 COMMUNITY nal School: students’

Diversity is one of BFIS's key strengths, according to its principal.

schools in Qatar, Waheed believes it development. “We have hyperactive will be bear the top. students and we try to channel this He particularly mentions the energy into something productive,” support the school gets from the says the principal. board of directors and its chairman. The school also has a discipline The chairman, Waheed says, will not committee and is constantly in hesitate in providing any facility that touch with the parents informing is asked for. them about what more they can do The school is an e-school. The towards improving their children’s communication with parents is performance. through email and website. BFIS “Our troika with students and also off ers students very eff ective parents works in unison and we counselling on diff erent aspects. are constantly trying to keep “Our teachers give individual parents posted on the development attention to their students. We have of their children’s every aspect, very eff ective counselling. We believe from academics to personality in correcting – we have a counsellor development. Together with parents’ on campus who sits with the support we achieve our mutual students,” says Waheed. targets,” says Waheed. These counsellors also do career He says they are requesting the counselling. Waheed says they sit government to provide a vacant with the Grade VIII students and tell piece of land lying next to their them specifi cally about the Pakistani campus. The demand for admissions system. Similarly, the Grade XII, A to the school and the number of and AS levels students also receive candidates the school receives every counselling on their future prospects. year is really high. In future, the The other very important aspect principal says, they will have to go of counselling is personality for expansion. Besides IT classes, the school provides students opportunities to learn soft skills. 10 GULF TIMES Wednesday, December 28, 2016 COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHIC Wednesday, December 28, 2016 GULF TIMES 11 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY Smart storage ideas to squeeze extra space from your bathroom

hampoo bottles, makeup tools, racks on the back of your door or hang baskets lotions, linens and laundry – the on the wall and then place folded linens inside bathroom is one of the most for a tidy look that keeps fl uff y towels within frequented rooms in the home and easy reach. clutter can collect quickly. Stop theS chaos before it gets out of control by Vamp up the vanity implementing some smart storage solutions. From shaving and combing to primping and With these simple ideas, your bathroom will curling, the vanity is centre stage for your daily be the most functional and fashionable room routines. That means clutter can easily take in the house. over the countertops and drawers if you’re not careful. A few thoughtful steps will help you Streamline shower shelving organise and maximise your vanity space. To It’s time to say goodbye to hanging racks start, dispose or donate of any products or tools from shower heads and precarious corner you don’t use. Then purchase some drawer shelving. The new Store+ shower from organisers or reuse small plastic containers to Sterling has customisable storage accessories, get items in order. On the inside of doors, install minimising clutter and ensuring everything small pieces of PVC pipe vertically to store you need is close at hand. Sturdy shelves hair tools and cords. You can also repurpose and accessories are easily snapped into spice racks on doors to hold a slew of personal any of eight pre-moulded locations within products. For hair accessories or other small the shower – no tools necessary. A fully Dare to go vertical an elegant and space-saving option that are metal objects, a magnetic strip on the inside of accessorised wall includes four rimmed Expand the storage potential of a small easy to install over the toilet or between a a door or drawer is amazingly eff ective. With shelf/soap dishes, two 4-inch deep storage bathroom by using vertical storage options. mirror and a pedestal sink. That small space these simple storage ideas, you’ll cut clutter, bins, and soap dishes with towel bar and Floor space may be limited, but by installing above the door? Perfect for a shelf to store keep spaces clean and never trip over a random two shower hooks. Plus, the back wall has shelving and other smart storage options on mason jars full of supplies or those beautiful bottle or towel on the fl oor again. moulded foot ledges on either side, providing walls, you dramatically increase space for perfume bottles. Need extra space to store a safe, handy shaving ledge. necessities. For example, fl oating shelves are linens and washcloths? Install stacked towel ©Brandpoint

ARIES TAURUS GEMINI March 21 — April 19 April 20 — May 20 May 21 — June 20

Today’s Moon shines in Sagittarius, your fellow fire sign and ninth There is no such thing as a sure thing Taureans, as much as you The Moon is our emotional antenna and in your opposite sign today, house of overseas wanderings and higher education. While you might hope and pray that there is. The planetary conditions being makes this a great day for you to do something nice for someone should wait it out until early next year, you can start thinking about what they are not making anything 100% disruptable. who needs a little holiday sparkle and shine. all the things you want to achieve.

CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

There is nothing more exciting than realising that other people, With today’s Moon shining in Sagittarius, your fellow fire sign and Avoid getting into silly discussions about basically anything that you influential people, are on your side and have only the best intentions fifth house of romance and fun this is the perfect time for you to do know could get out of control very quickly. Money and who spent for you. something special with your other half. what on the holiday so far is one of those discussions to steer clear of.

LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

There is nothing you can do to appease those people who really Stop and take in everything that’s happened to you lately and be There’s nothing like feeling as if you are finally making your way in don’t want to be appeased. Holidays aren’t always cheerful sure to soak up the good and rinse off the bad Scorpios. Not long life – especially for those of you who have felt as if you were lagging and merry after all. Sometimes issues come up and need to be now before 2017 is here and you get a clean slate to start all over behind. You haven’t been lagging – it’s just been a tough climb with addressed. again. Mercury retrograde in your self-esteem zone.

CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

Venus spends the next week or so in your second house of money Sometimes it can become all too obvious when you are dealing with As much as you might be tempted to throw caution to the winds – so if you find yourself online scanning for bargains or being overly other people who basically don’t know what they’re doing. You’re with Mars in your sign right now, keep in mind that Mercury the generous when out with friends and family, slow your monetary roll! smart, seek out like minded smarties! communicator remains out of phase in your hopes, wishes and friendship zone (through January 8). 12 GULF TIMES Wednesday, December 28, 2016 COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES

Wordsearch Adam

Pooch Cafe Watery

BRINY FLOW RIVER CASCADE LAKE SOUND CATARACT OCEAN STRAIT CHANNEL POND STREAM CREEK POOL SURF CURRENT PUDDLE TIDE ESTUARY RAPIDS WAVE FALLS RIPPLE

Codeword 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.

Garfield Puzzles courtesy: Puzzlechoice.com courtesy: Puzzles

Sudoku

Bound And Gagged

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. Wednesday, December 28, 2016 GULF TIMES 13 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Quick Clues Colouring

ACROSS DOWN 3. Bigness (9) 1. Folly (9) 8. Vegetable (4) 2. Light-headed (9) 9. Greedy (9) 4. Honey drink (4) 10. Combined (6) 5. Quit (5) 11. Cut (5) 6. Twisted (6) 14. Impel (5) 7. Cudgel (4) 15. Stun (4) 9. Allude (5) 16. Lift up (5) 11. Hit (5) 18. Excursion (4) 12. Story-teller (9) 20. Cite (5) 13. Profane (9) 21. Signification (5) 17. Peer (5) 24. Hesitate (6) 19. Tell (6) 25. Denial (9) 22. Brief (5) 26. Dispossess (4) 23. Plunge (4) 27. Dining-hall (9) 24. Just (4) Cryptic Clues

Answers

Wordsearch Codeword

ACROSS DOWN 3. Toast them as maximum... (2,3,4) 1. Male unfortunately in condition when 8. ...Obligations in respect of neckwear... neither side can win (9) (4) 2. Mending after divorce? (9) 9. ...Until deep trouble brings abundance 4. The story of beer at the Turk’s Head (4) (9) 5. Neigh on which the gate swings (5) 10. Responsible and clever at 51 (6) 6. Stuff to be of importance (6) 11. Freed to give way (5) 7. Not the centre of the team (4) 14. She’s black as far as prisoners are 9. Offer apology for broken pedal (5) Yesterday’s Solutions concerned (5) 11. He sailed, but could have paddled - or 15. Bring up the back (4) waddled! (5) 16. In the morning follows doctor to a 12. Anecdotes about members of the QUICK CRYPTIC play (5) family? (9) Across: 1 Therapeutic; 9 Riposte; 10 Deter; Across: 1 Abandon ship; 9 Air-mail; 10 Tease; 18. Look after what aunt has finally (4) 13. Release spy: he acts without constraint 11 Elder; 12 Strange; 13 Invest; 15 Repeal; 18 11 Dodge; 12 Gunfire; 13 Nights; 15 Severe; 18 20. Stop 100 getting relief (5) (4,5) Ensnare; 20 Laden; 22 Cling; 23 Devious; 24 Assured; 20 Eland; 22 Twang; 23 Octagon; 24 21. Bighead in strong wind sees end of 17. Sharp article, quaintly pleasing (5) Necromancer. Skating-rink. house (5) 19. Lad we’d found out to loiter (6) 24. It is noted when it is plucked (6) 22. Learner has top cards which may be Down: 2 Hoped; 3 Resorts; 4 Please; 5 Under; Down: 2 Bared; 3 Nearest; 4 Oblige; 5 Sit-in; 25. Five show how to maintain (9) tied (5) 6 Intense; 7 Pre-eminence; 8 Orderliness; 14 6 Imagine; 7 Garden party; 8 Never-ending; 26. Unknown author of ‘The Mean One’ 23. This pit belongs to me (4) Vestige; 16 Enliven; 17 Seldom; 19 Augur; 21 14 Gas-mask; 16 Elector; 17 Adjoin; 19 Right; 21 (4) 24. Male doesn’t quite make the theatre (4) Drone. Argon. 27. Inn’s greed for flag (3,6) 14 GULF TIMES Wednesday, December 28, 2016 COMMUNITY CINEMA My 10 favourite Indian films of ’16 By Gautaman Bhaskaran

t is never easy for someone like me to cull out favourite fi lms from the dozens and dozens I have seen over the course of 12 months in 2016. For, there is always something in every movie – or just about –I that endears me to it. It can be an engaging Vidya Balan has gone completely de-glam in story that is also well told. It can be a great idea Kahaani 2: Durga Rani Singh. plotted with panache. Or, it can be a fi ne piece of performance – like Vidya Balan’s in Kahaani almost impossible dreams. The Nair family in 2: Durga Rani Singh in Hindi, which is one of my Pinneyum also has its aspirations – only that 10 most favourite fi lms this year. in this case they stoke the fi re of avarice. The I admired Balan’s pluck in going completely Nairs’ dream begins on a low key, but when de-glam and daring to look her own plump self their needs multiply, they stoop to committing (like Kate Winslet in some movies) to play an the most heinous crime. A masterly work with ordinary employee in a school at Kalimpong – a Dileep, Kavya Madhavan, Nedumudi Venu and hill station in West Bengal. This is of course no Indrans. sequel to Kahaani 1, and director Sujoy Ghosh Manoj Bajpayee in Aligarh. Sanal Kumar Sashidharan’s Sexy Durga deftly takes us far away from the fi rst to narrate (Malayalam) – is one of the fi nest movies I a story of child molestation involving an uncle with nuanced ease by Konkana Sen Sharma) and Babita (Sanya Malhotra) into wrestlers, saw this year. Sashidharan has this amazing and his mother (!). Balan’s Durga Rani Singh has three little sons and a husband, who has much to chagrin of his community and the ability to surprise even a hardcore critic notices this in the six-year girl, Mini, who fi nds just come back from Saudi Arabia. He treats ridicule of male wrestlers. But Poghat cannot like me, and his debut feature, An Off -Day it diffi cult to stay awake in class. “They never his wife with unimaginable coldness, even be dissuaded, and fi nally his girls win medals Game (Ozhivudivasathe Kali), in Malayalam, let me sleep at night”, she blurts out to Singh forcing Shirin to go through a series of induced for India. Khan is superb – his silences, his was almost magically unpredictable that after persistent probing. Kahaani 2 takes off abortions. What is even worse, he blows a economy of words and his rare angst when he narrated the drinking bout of some friends with Singh having to fl ee Kalimpong with the fuse when she fi nds out about his mistress, fi nds Geeta rubbish his years of teaching in on a holiday in a desolate bungalow which child to land in Chandan Nagar (Once a French and stops Shirin from working as a salesgirl. favour of a new coach at the sports academy turned notoriously evil. In contrast, Sexy settlement in Bengal) – where she meets a The fourth woman is a 55-year-old widow, where she trains for the Olympics and the Durga attempts to tell us that men can be cop played by Arjun Rampal in a controlled Usha (played with superb fi nesse by Ratna Commonwealth Games. magnanimous when they want to be. And this avatar. Balan helps us not just watch a lurid Pathak Shah) – a darling of the “mohalla”. Another movie on sports, this time in Tamil, emerges on a dark night, on a lonely highway. tale unfold, but also feel the trauma with her Addressed reverentially as “Bhuvaji” (aunt), Irudhi Suttru by Sudha Kongara, has Madhavan The fi lm opens with a woman, Durga (Rajashri brilliant portrayal of a woman – herself a she whiles away her time reading pulp fi ction, playing a failed boxer (with a failed marriage) Despande), anxiously waiting on a deserted victim of sexual abuse – anxious to save the and when she meets a hunky swimming coach, who suddenly fi nds meaning in life when he road in the middle of the night – till Kabeer child. Kahaani 2 has its fl aws – the climax was she fantasises through mobile telephone fi nds a young fi sherwoman, Madhi (Ritika (Kannan Nair) arrives. We do not know whether unreal and there were a few contrivances. But as conversations with him, pretending to be one of Singh) with magical potential. He trains her they are married, but we are sure that they are Ghosh asked me, “Can’t a director take artistic the characters in the novels she reads. despite her catty ferocity, and fi ery red-tape eloping from an undisclosed destination to liberties.” So be it. Another Hindi fi lm that caught my eye was which hinders his every forward step. Lovely Chennai. They have to reach a train station, and There is another actor who fl oored me. Shubhashish Bhutiani’s Mukti Bhavan – which acting by Madhavan and Singh and beautiful have to thumb a lift to get there. Unfortunately, Manoj Bajpayee, whose Aligarh (in Hindi, I saw at the Dubai International Film Festival. romance subtly shown. Rare to fi nd a Tamil the small van that stops by has two men, helmed by Hansal Mehta), premiered at the When an Indian movie stops itself from going work with such controlled narration. all sozzled up. And the ride for the couple Busan International Film Festival. Bajpayee overboard with emotional dramatics, it seems Another Tamil fi lm that was amazingly turns nightmarish. The style reminded me of as the wronged homosexual professor at the such a refreshing relief from the kind of over- restrained was Manikandan’s Aandavan Hitchcock – where fear is conveyed without Aligarh Muslim University literally carries the the-top kind of cinema we are battered with Kattalai. Once, the helmer gave us a delightful undue blood and gore. story from frame to frame with feeling, with a day in and day out. And Mukti Bhavan fi ts work called Kaaka Muttai – on the travails of Brothers Satish and Santosh Babusenan’s sense of utter dejection. Set in a conservative perfectly well with the cinema of the subdued. two little boys angling for a pizza. In his latest Ottayaal Paatha, also in Malayalam, is a heart- town in Uttar Pradesh from which the movie The young Bhutiani, barely 25, presents a outing, he takes us to a completely diff erent tugging tale of a father and son. The brothers gets its name, Aligarh, it is about a professor poignant plot of 77-year-old Dayanand Kumar theme. Vijay Sethupathi – in his usual subdued narrate through a series of sparse frames and (Bajpayee), fi red from the university for his (and what a marvellous piece of acting here by performance (that has often reminded me economy of words how a grown-up son, Akhil sexual preference, and a young journalist Lalit Behl), who wants to spend his last days at of Marlon Brando) is a bit more evocatively (played by Sarath Sabha), is caught between (Rajkumar Rao) who tells this tragic tale to the the holy city of Varanasi after he has a dream expressive here as Gandhi, a strapping youth the love for his girlfriend, Nina (Krishnapriya), world. that is recurrent and ominous. He feels his end who journeys from a village near Madurai to and his aff ection for his old father, Vikraman Alankrita Shrivastava’s Hindi work, Lipstick is round the corner, and he would want to die Chennai in search of a British visa. He plans (K Kaladharan). The elderly man is practically Waale Sapne – which I saw at the Tokyo on the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi. A death to get a tourist permit, enter the UK and fi nd bed-ridden with complications arising out of International Film Festival – appealed to me there is believed to stop the cycle of birth. But work. But there are obstacles. The travel agent diabetes severely restricting his mobility. When for its freshness of treatment and its novel his son, Rajiv (another superb performance by who promises to arrange the visa insists that out of bed, he has to hop on to a wheelchair, way of elaborating some of India’s burning Adil Hussain), is in a quandary. With a wife and the papers can be easily had if Gandhi were to and he needs constant care. The family is not social issues. It plots the experiences of four a daughter, who is all set to get married, and be married. Unfortunately, the visa does not well-to-do and lives in a ghetto of sorts, and women, two Hindus and two Muslims, who live a boss at offi ce who just cannot exist without come through, with Gandhi true to his name, Akhil has no job, and in any case the city where in Bhopal. They are unfulfi lled and unhappy, Rajiv, he somehow agrees to take the old man to refusing to lie at the British Consulate. A unique he lives off ers very little opportunity. And but with the gutsy ability to dream and dare. Varanasi. The journey completely changes the script that has been executed with fi nesse by when Nina, hailing from an upper class family, Beautiful Rehana (essayed by Plabita Borthakur) way they feel about each other. Sethupathi and his love interest, Ritika Singh. suggests that the two go away to Bengaluru, the hails from a family of tailors, goes to college and The Aamir Khan-starrer Dangal in Hindi Adoor Gopalakrishnan’s 12th feature, invitation is tantalisingly tempting. For Akhil, is enamoured of all things feminine. She cannot by Nitesh Tiwari is certainly no Lagaan. Pinneyum in Malayalam – which came after an the new city will be like a breath of much- of course buy them, but she can steal them, But Dangal, based on a true story of a father eight-year hiatus – takes us back to the 2000 needed oxygen, but the son is wracked by and shoplifts with a devil-may-care hidden determined to make wrestlers out of his two era in Kerala, which was beginning to see the dilemma. Can he possibly leave his infi rm father beneath a veneer of disarming innocence. Then daughters in a State like Haryana (known for ugly face of consumerism. It was a time when behind to be taken care of by paid employees? there is Leela (Aahana Kumra), who on the day its male chauvinism), is exciting – especially Kerala’s Gulf boom was on with just about The work competed at the recent Cairo of her engagement with a rich guy, does not its fi ght sequences that begin in mud pits every other household having at least one International Film Festival. fl inch while taking advantage of a short power and later travel to matted arenas. When member of its family on the deserts of Arabia. outage to engage physically with her boyfriend. wrestling champion Mahavir Singh Poghat It was not uncommon to see Malayalees fl ush z Next week, Gautaman Bhaskaran will And she is all game for this, having been in does not get a son – with his wife giving birth with money. And those who did not have list his 10 most favourite fi lms in languages love with him, but forced into a marriage with to four daughters – he decides to make the these, aspired, often desperately, to up their other than Indian, and he may be e-mailed at a guy she does not care for. Shirin (portrayed two eldest ones Geeta (Fatima Sana Shaik) status with Gulf money by chasing sometimes [email protected] Wednesday, December 28, 2016 GULF TIMES 15 SHOWBIZ COMMUNITY George Michael: the poignant goodbye on Last Christmas

According to multiple reports, By Radhika Bhirani his sexuality was exposed against his will in 1998 after being arrested on charges of lewd conduct in ‘father fi gure’ in a men’s room in Beverly Hills, international music, California. gone too soon. At 17, The issues that Michael George Michael delved grappled with involved his into infi delity through struggle with depression following Ahis evergreen classic Careless the death of Feleppa, and of his whisper, saying “Guilty feet have mother, of cancer, in 1997; and got no rhythm” — like perhaps, no with the use of drugs. teen pop star of today can write. He would smoke enormous His music, like his fans amounts of marijuana — up to 25 would agree, has had a shelf life joints a day at some points in his transcending multiple decades career. He had a dependency on — irrespective of whether it was sleeping pills and sometimes even doled out when he began in 1981 consumed designer drug GHB, as one half of pop duo Wham! reports have said. Then in 2008, he with Andrew Ridgeley — or when was caught smoking crack cocaine he became famous in his own in a public toilet. right with his solo single Careless Earlier, he had spoken of whisper. cruising for sex with strangers That apart, his changing looks — an activity he declared he had — as a smiling teen-pop idol started in his teens. He had told look in the peppy Wake me up friend Piers Morgan that he had before you go-go, with piercing up to 500 sexual partners in seven eyes and ruffled blonde hair in years. the Careless whisper video or the It was only after a few years of picturisation of Faith in which Feleppa’s death that Michael found he gyrates wearing an entirely new love in businessman Kenny different grunge look with a black Goss, but it also collapsed a little jacket, sunglasses and a stubble over a decade later. — have had a lasting impression The singer had dropped out of on legions of his fans. They are in public view after releasing his last mourning now as Michael — at 53 years as a performer, he came AIDS-related brain haemorrhage musical genres throughout his album Symphonica in March 2014. — breathed his last on Christmas up with tracks of socio-political in 1993. glorious career. For the New Year, Michael Day 2016 following heart failure references. Beyond a point in his His single in July 2002, Shoot Controversies seemed to eclipse had been planning an expanded — ironically, making it his Last career, Michael distanced himself the dog, criticised the former US the latter part of his music career reissue Listen Without Prejudice Christmas. from risque music videos and his President George W Bush and former — leading to a slow output during Vol. 1, along with a documentary, Last Christmas, I gave you my pop-star image to make relevant British Prime Minister Tony Blair in the 2000s. His last studio album of Freedom, exploring his musical, heart/But the very next day, you statements. the lead-up to the 2003 invasion of new songs was Patience in 2004. personal and legal struggles. gave it away/This year, to save me Like, his 1994 single Jesus to Iraq. It courted controversy for being At one point, Michael even said In retrospect, freedom from the from tears/I’ll give it to someone a child was a tribute to Anselmo anti-American. that he had spent the past 20 years dark phase of his life is what he has special. Feleppa, a Brazilian man with However, his career’s trajectory trying to sabotage his glittering got — as he leaves behind a legacy Michael’s songs spoke of love, whom he had a short-lived never saw the end of love songs career via a series of humiliating of music that his fans will cherish desire, heartbreak, and in later relationship as Feleppa died of an even as he dabbled in multiple drug and sex scandals. for years to come. — IANS

Tamannaah fl ays outfi t, I’d ask him to cut it short. If Neha Dhupia would ‘love’ to director’s sexist my heroine gets angry, I’d tell her work with Aamir Khan remarks on heroines audience haven’t paid so much for nothing,” he added. Actress-producer Neha Dhupia, Actress Tamannaah Bhatia has When the clip went viral, who hosts her audio talk show slammed comments made by Tamannaah took to Twitter to share “#NoFilterNeha” on a music director Suraaj about objectifying her views, and said she was “hurt streaming service, says she would heroines in Tamil fi lmdom, and has and angered by the comments made love to work with superstar Aamir asked him to apologise to all women by director Suraaj”. Khan. in the industry. She said: “I would defi nitely want During a conversation with her In a promotional interview him to apologise not only to me but followers on Twitter, a user asked during the release of his latest to the entire women in the industry. Neha if she would like to “work with Tamil directorial Kaththi Sandai, We are actors and we are here to act Aamir Khan?” director Suraaj was asked how he and entertain audiences and should To that, Neha replied: “Any day! managed to make Tamannaah look not at any point be objectifi ed as Aamir Khan’s movies are consistently glamorous in the fi lm. commodities. mind-blowing. I’d love to be part of Suraaj’s reply has created an Having worked in southern them.” As the actress is known for uproar in social media. fi lmdom for over a decade, she being blunt and candid about her He said: “Audiences pay added: “I have worn costumes opinions and beliefs on diff erent money to watch the hero fi ght which I’m comfortable with. It is matters, another follower on the FOND WISH: Neha Dhupia. and heroines in full glamour. sad that women in our country are micro-blogging website asked the As a director, I don’t like to FURIOUS: Tamannah. spoken about so frivolously and Singh is Kinng actress “how do you out for a date, she quipped that her see my heroines fully clad in a I would like to tell my audiences handle or take criticism?” “manager leaves no time” for her sari. If we’re paying money to He went on to add that all those that our industry should not be Neha said: “I learn from it when “personal life”. watch a fi lm, we should expect heroines who made it big, chose the generalised due to comments made it’s constructive and shrug it off when On the movie front, Neha was last Tamannaah to look glamorous. glamorous path to stardom. by one individual.” it’s just malicious.” seen in the fi lm Moh Maya Money, Any commercial fi lm should have “Whenever my costume designer Suraaj was unavailable for When another user asked her what directed by Munish Bhardwaj. — glamour,” Suraaj said. presents my heroine in knee-length comment. — IANS he would have to do to take Neha IANS 16 GULF TIMES Wednesday, December 28, 2016 COMMUNITY

The alumni who attended the meet. Everlasting bonds About 150 former students of DPS-MIS get together for Alumni Meet

The evening ended with a By Anand Holla A video montage fi lled with video clips and pictures delicious dinner arranged by the school management in honour of from the bygone years was played, evoking waves of the alumni. This event helped the flood of fond alumni reconnect and strengthen memories came sweet nostalgia in the audience. Soon, the students from their bonds with their alma mater. rushing at the third This month also saw DPS-MIS’ DPS-Modern Indian grades 9, 10 and 11 took to entertaining the alumni with senior wing celebrating the 16th School (DPS-MIS) Annual Day with zest and grandeur AlumniA Meet last week. On the their song and dance performances in its state-of-the-art auditorium. nostalgia-fuelled occasion that The cultural extravaganza, based saw old students and teachers alumni with their song and dance across the world. By providing and reminiscing about the fun on the theme Umeed-e-Bahaar reunite amidst a swelling of performances. the opportunity for students to times they had at school. They (Seasons of Life), portrayed “the emotions, around 150 alumni, who Yasir Nainar, the vice- serve their alma mater, we carry also shared their experiences at power of hope to navigate through had flown down from India, UAE, president, implored the alumni forward the school’s motto of their respective universities. the challenges and quandaries and Bahrain, UK, Canada, Australia, to contribute to their alma mater Service before Self. Our students A Ganeshkumar, the head boy, continue the odyssey of life with New Zealand, Singapore and by becoming teachers in their have come back to us and have proposed the vote of thanks, radiance and splendour”. Malaysia, converged at their school. He reckoned teaching as involved themselves with the while Principal Nafees thanked From an enchanting musical beloved school’s premises and a noble profession, highlighting teaching-learning process. It also the alumni for attending the presentation by the senior school walked away clutching on to a the dire need for good teachers in gives us immense happiness to see event and encouraged them choir in collaboration with the memorable December day. school so as to mould the young our students giving back to the to form a stronger bond with school orchestra, to an Arabic dance The evening was flagged off learners into “intellectually aware school that has moulded them, the DPS family. The school has presented by children as an ode to with a welcome note from anchors and responsible citizens”. Sonny and at the same time watch them graduated 10 batches so far, the the strong bond between India and Vinutha Ramodorai and Nikita Varghese, the director, encouraged grow in their chosen careers.” first of which was in 2007. The Qatar, the annual day celebration Navneeth, and was followed students to forge a passionate The members of the Alumni school authorities were pleased had several highlights. The occasion by a dance that got the crowd bond with their alma mater as it Committee also addressed the to point out that DPS alumni are also unfolded “the saga of accolades cheering. Nayana Singh, the head has played a prominent role in audience and were happy to see studying in excellent universities and achievements” accomplished girl, graciously welcomed the shaping their characters and lives. the growing number of alumni all over the world, including by the students of classes VI to alumni. A video montage filled Asna Nafees, principal of with each passing year. They the universities of Harvard, XII for their exemplary all-round with video clips and pictures DPS-MIS, told Community, “The disclosed their future course Princeton, Rice, Weill Cornell, performance in the year 2015-16. from the bygone years was alumni association was initiated of action, which was hailed by NUS, UC Berkeley, Pennsylvania, Teaching and the non-teaching played, evoking waves of sweet with the noble intention of everyone present. Many alumni Perdue, and, not to forget, the IITs staff of DPS-MIS who have nostalgia in the audience. Soon, establishing a healthy relationship also shared their experiences and and NITs in India. They are also completed 10 and 15 eventful years the students from grades 9, 10 with the student community fond memories, acknowledging associated with some of the best were awarded with a memento for and 11 took to entertaining the of our school that is spread the role of teachers in their lives companies worldwide. their dedication and sincerity.