Community Community Al Jazeera Embassy Academy of France P6achieves P16 organises accreditation by the ‘Women and Diversity team of Western Lunch Talk’ to mark Association of International Schools and Colleges. Women’s Day.

Tuesday, March 5, 2019 Jumada II 28, 1440 AH

Doha today: 160 - 260

COVER Notes of wisdom STORY Nobel laureate Toni Morrison turns blazing intellect on current issues in The Source of Self-Regard. P4-5

POP SPOT SHOWBIZ

Self-titled debut I’ve become greedier and brings fame for AJ Tracey. selective in fi lms: Divya. Page 14 Page 15 2 GULF TIMES Tuesday, March 5, 2019 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

PRAYER TIME Fajr 4.38am Shorooq (sunrise) 5.54am Zuhr (noon) 11.45am Asr (afternoon) 3.07pm Maghreb (sunset) 5.40pm Isha (night) 7.10pm Take Point Forces Minister in an underground bunker below the DIRECTION: Byung-woo Kim Korean demilitarised zone. However, they get caught in the USEFUL NUMBERS CAST: Jung-woo Ha, Sun-kyun Lee, Jennifer Ehle crossfire which causes tensions to escalate to the brink of SYNOPSIS: On the day of the US presidential election World War III. in 2024, Ahab and his team of elite mercenaries embark on a secret CIA mission to abduct North Korea’s Armed THEATRES: Royal Plaza, Landmark

Emergency 999 Worldwide Emergency Number 112 Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991 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

Boo warning of an innocent prank left upon them which causes an DIRECTION: Luke Jaden unknown supernatural force to wreak havoc. CAST: Aurora Perrineau, Jaden Piner, Jill Marie Jones SYNOPSIS: A torn suburban family refuses to heed the THEATRES: Landmark, The Mall ote Unquo Qu te “’t The Mall Cinema (1): (Tamil) 3pm; Gully Boy (Hindi) grieve. Anything Lonappante Mammod1sa 6pm; Escape Room (2D) 9pm; (Malayalam) 2:30pm; Total Take Point (2D) 11pm. you lose comes round Dhamaal (Hindi) 5pm; Escape Royal Plaza Cinema Palace in another form.” Room (2D) 7:15pm; Luka Chuppi 11:30pm. (1): Total Dhamaal (Hindi) 3pm; (Hindi) 9:15pm; Gully Boy (Hindi) Landmark Cinema (1): Luka Chuppi (Hindi) 5:30pm; 11:30pm. Lonappante Mammod1sa Alone/Together (Tagalog) 8pm; — Rumi The Mall Cinema (2): Toys (2D) (Malayalam) 2:30pm; Toys (2D) Sonchiriya (Hindi) 11pm. 2pm; Toys (2D) 3:45pm; Alone/ 5pm; June (Malayalam) 6:45pm; Royal Plaza Cinema Palace Together (Tagalog) 5:30pm; Alone/Together (Tagalog) (2): L.K.G. (Tamil) 3pm; Alone/Together (Tagalog) 9:15pm; Kodathi Samaksham Lonappante Mammod1sa 7:30pm; A Madea Family Funeral Balan Vakkeel (Malayalam) (Malayalam) 6pm; Escape (2D) 9:30pm; Total Dhamaal 11:15pm. Room (2D) 9pm; Lonappante Community Editor (Hindi) 11:30pm. Landmark Cinema (2): Mammod1sa (Malayalam) 11pm. Kamran Rehmat The Mall Cinema (3): Luka Sonchiriya (Hindi) 3pm; Luka Royal Plaza Cinema Palace e-mail: [email protected] Chuppi (Hindi) 2:15pm; Thadam Chuppi (Hindi) 6pm; Lonappante (3): Toys (2D) 2:30pm; Gully Boy Telephone: 44466405 (Tamil) 4:30pm; Alita: The Battle Mammod1sa (Malayalam) (Hindi) 4:30pm; Boo! (2D) 7:15pm; Angel (2D) 7pm; Take Point 8:30pm; Thadam (Tamil) 11pm. Total Dhamaal (Hindi) 9pm; Fax: 44350474 (2D) 9:15pm; Escape Room (2D) Landmark Cinema (3): Thadam Thadam (Tamil) 11:15pm. Tuesday, March 5, 2019 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

New Media + New Museum Cycling: Losail Circuit Sports Club WHERE: Education City WHERE: Losail Circuit WHEN: March 12 WHEN: Ongoing TIME: 7pm – 9pm TIME: 5pm Storytelling in exhibitions has become Losail Circuit Sports Club, in association increasingly important, and melded with with Qatar Sports For All Federation, technology can create immersive, active invites all cyclists, runners and walkers spaces for visitors, a far cry from the to train under the floodlights of Losail passive viewing of objects often thought of International Circuit every Wednesdays. as a typical museum experience.

Syria Matters Exhibition WHERE: Museum of Islamic Art WHEN: Ongoing till April 30 TIME: 9am – 7pm Museum 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.

Arabic Calligraphy Workshop WHEN: Saturday – Wednesday TIME: 6pm Arabic 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 EVENTS March. It is a perfect market to get amazing 6pm. For more information, contact local fresh produce. [email protected] Artistic Gymnastic Classes Ballet Lessons WHERE: Qatar Academy Msheireb WHERE: Music and Arts Atelier WHEN: Today WHEN: Ongoing TIME: 3:15pm – 4:15pm TIME: 4pm – 8pm The olympic sport using horizontal bar, For more info e-mail at registration@ rings and floor exercises on mats for the atelierqatar.com or call on 33003839. children from age 4 till 16.

MIA Park Bazaar 2019 WHERE: Museum Of Islamic Art WHEN: Ongoing TIME: 12pm – 8pm MIA Bazaar will be having a vibrant mix of 350 stalls. MIA Park Bazaar is a modern version of the old souq tradition. After School Activities The stalls are going to offer a wide range Grand Prix of Qatar 2019 WHERE: Atelier of gastronomies from all over the world. WHERE: Losail International Circuit WHEN: Ongoing You can also browse and grab handcrafted WHEN: March 8 – 10 Music and arts activities for students artefacts, accessories, canvases, fashion TIME: 1pm – 9pm taking place after they finish their day in wears, designer ornaments. The opening race will be held under the school includes Group Music lessons, Hip- floodlights. Tickets can be purchased on- hop, Ballet, Drawing and Painting, Drama line. Theatre & Taekwondo. Ages between 5 and 10 years old after school hours.

Hobby Classes WHERE: Mamangam Performing Art Centre WHEN:Wednesday – Monday Mamangam 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, , hip-hop and Indian classical dance forms, along with Mehaseel Festival classes for music, art and crafts, karate and WHERE: Katara Cultural Village yoga. Additional services include dance WHEN: Ongoing till March 31 education and choreography. For details, Mehaseel Souq will be open every call 33897609. Thursday, Friday and Saturday until 31st of Dance and Instrument Classes WHERE: TCA Campus, Behind Gulf Times Building WHEN: Wednesday – Monday Learn the movements of dance styles in Bollywood, Hip Hop and also the A R Rahman Concert Music maestro A R Rahman is going to be musical instruments such as Piano, Guitar, WHERE: Khalifa Stadium performing on the 22nd of March at the Khalifa Keyboard for adults as well kids and move WHEN: March 22 Stadium for the fi rst time as part of the Qatar- in the world of music. For details, contact TIME: 6pm – 11pm Year of Culture 2019. 66523871/ 31326749.

Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Tuesday, March 5, 2019 COMMUNITY COVER STORY Noble thoughts from a Nobel laureate Toni Morrison lets us know why she feels this book is necessary: Writing is powerful and therefore, in times like ours, threatened. By Colette Bancroft

ne of America’s four decades, from 1976 to 2013, greatest writers had a and include commencement birthday last month, addresses, eulogies, essays on and she gave us all a other artists and her own work, gift. and her Nobel lecture on the OToni Morrison turned 88 on power of language. February 18. If anyone has earned The introduction is titled the right to rest on her laurels, it Peril, and in it Morrison lets us would be Morrison. She has had know why she feels this book is not one but several distinguished necessary: Writing is powerful careers, as an editor at Random and therefore, in times like ours, House where she worked to threatened. bring black literature into the That’s inevitable, she writes, mainstream, and as a professor “because truth is trouble. It is of writing at Cornell, Bard and trouble for the warmonger, the Princeton. She is a writer in many torturer, the corporate thief, genres, from children’s books to the political hack, the corrupt criticism. justice system, and for a comatose What she is internationally public. Unpersecuted, unjailed, famous for, of course, is her unharassed writers are trouble for fi ction, 11 novels of extraordinary the ignorant bully, the sly racist, Truth is trouble for the warmonger, power and beauty, the crown jewel and the predators feeding off the among them her masterpiece, world’s resources. … Therefore the torturer, the corporate thief, the Beloved. Published in 1987, it the historical suppression of earned the Pulitzer Prize and a writers is the earliest harbinger political hack, the corrupt justice tower of other awards. In 1993, of the steady peeling away of system, and for a comatose public she received the Nobel Prize for additional rights and liberties that Literature. will follow.” On February 12, Morrison One striking thing about these published The Source of Self- essays is how utterly timely many — Toni Morrison, writer Regard: Selected Essays, Speeches, of them remain. The subjects that and Meditations. The pieces in Morrison has focused her mighty ‘ ’ this collection range over almost intellect upon for more than half Tuesday, March 5, 2019 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY a century continue to be essential issues. Her great subject has always been America’s original sin of racism, and it surfaces in almost all of these pieces. In a 1994 speech, A Race in Mind, she discusses, among other things, blackface. “The point to remember is that minstrelsy had virtually nothing to do with the way black people really were; it was a purely On the relationship white construction. … The black mask permitted whites to say between hater illegal, unorthodox, seditious, and sexually illicit things in public. and hated In short, it was a kind of public pornography, the main theme of which was sexual rebellion, sexual “If I spend my life licence, poverty, and criminality.” So much for harmless, nonracist despising you college pranks. Morrison explores the because of your race, complexities and consequences class, or religion, I of racism in many of these pieces, from the issue of immigration, become your slave. so tainted by irrational fear of the Other, to literature, tackling If you spend yours race in those great American novels The Adventures of hating me for Huckleberry Finn and Moby-Dick. similar reasons, it Of the latter she writes, “But if the whale is more than blind, is because you are indiff erent Nature unsubduable by masculine aggression, if it is my slave” as much its adjective as its noun, we can consider that possibility that Melville’s ‘truth’ was his recognition of the moment in America when whiteness became ideology. And if the white whale is the ideology of race, what Ahab has lost to it is personal dismemberment and family and society and his own place as a human in the world.” Her approach to the Other is always to attempt to understand them by imagining their lives, even in fairy tales. In Cinderella’s Stepsisters, she brushes off the “rather vague absent father and a nick-of-time prince with a foot fetish” as well as Cinderella’s “Toni Morrison surrogate mothers, because “it is the stepsisters who interest me.” is our In real life, she imagines her way conscience, into the ultimate Other, the racist, revealing the terrible intimacy of she is our seer, the relationship between hater and hated: “If I spend my life despising she is our you because of your race, class, or religion, I become your slave. truth-teller” If you spend yours hating me for similar reasons, it is because you are my slave. I own your — Oprah Winfrey, energy, your fear, your intellect. I determine where you live, how talk show icon you live, what your work is, your defi nition of excellence, and I set limits to your ability to love. I will have shaped your life. That is the gift of your hatred; you are mine.” In the title essay, Morrison writes of the power to counter such hatred. The essay is a fascinating exploration of her process in writing Beloved, most of which takes place during Reconstruction, and the novel that followed it, Jazz, set in the Sethe commits an unimaginable characters, unlike their enslaved precisely because it was ad hoc In an era when complex ideas 1920s. The author details how she act of violence out of love for her ancestors, can choose with whom and accidental and fated but not are reduced to slogans and tweets, grappled with writing historical child. For a slave, who had no they get intimate, form families, predictable.” when language is dumbed down novels, with immersing herself claim to her own fl esh and blood fall in love. “Where they could In a speech last year, Oprah and truth so often debased, The in research but then fi nding the because that baby was someone eff ect the widest possible choice,” Winfrey (another powerful woman Source of Self-Regard moves with evocative, unique images that else’s property, choosing that she writes, “by deciding to fall whose career is inextricably courage and assurance in the bring a novel to life. fatal love was revolutionary. in love. Claiming another as the connected to Morrison’s) said of the opposite direction. What a gift. She writes, too, of the power of Jazz focuses on romantic love beloved. Not because of fi lial blood author, “She is our conscience, she —Tampa Bay Times (St. love to make us free. In Beloved, rather than familial love; its black relationships or proximity, but is our seer, she is our truth-teller.” Petersburg, Florida) 6 GULF TIMES Tuesday, March 5, 2019 COMMUNITY Al Jazeera Academy achieves WASC accreditation

Al Jazeera Academy recently achieved accreditation by confidence to build on our strengths. We aspire to the team of Western Association of Schools and Colleges excellence. WASC has been the most eff ective evaluation (WASC). WASC is an international organisation which process I have ever been involved in.” has moved school community members into a cycle Dr Mohammed Saefan, Director of Education, said, “This of continuous school improvement. The WASC team success underlines the cohesion of Al Jazeera staff and praised the quality of education at Al Jazeera Academy. students and the growing collaborative strength of The review team was led by Dr Barry Groves, President of Ta’allum Academies working with the Academies to raise WASC, and Nancy Brownell. standards.” The main focus of the review was on student learning. Ahmed al-Mannai, CEO of Ta’allum Group, added, “This The accreditation is for the whole academy, including KG, is a great achievement for Al Jazeera Academy and the Primary and Secondary Schools in Al Jazeera Academy. whole Ta’allum Group. I salute their hard work and skill. Sheldon Smith, Principal of Al Jazeera Academy, said, We are proud for the moment but we are now driven to “This is a benchmark of quality and has given us the continue our forward momentum.”

Anuradha Pal performs at ICC

Anuradha Pal, India’s first female professional Tabla player, along with her team recently performed The performing artistes were felicitated with a plaque of recognition by Shri Hemant Dwivedi, First a musical ensemble Jugalbandi at Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) as part of ‘Festival of India’ Secretary of Information, Culture and Education at Embassy of India, along with Manikantan A P, celebrations, under the Qatar-India Year of Culture 2019. The performance featured an interactive President of ICC, and K M Varghese, Chairman of Advisory Council at ICC, at the event. narration along with rhythmic dialogues on tabla, violin and flute, which was followed by tabla, Speaking on the occasion, Herman Dwivedi briefed about various events streamlined for the dholak, kadtal, pakhawaj, udu djembe and darabuka. next few weeks as part of Qatar-India Year of Culture. Manikantan A P welcomed the Gathering. Other participating artistes, included Nihal Khan Mangnehar, on vocals, dholak and khadtal; The event was compered by Seenu Pillai, General Secretary of ICC, along with Nirmala Prasanna Raj Joshi, Hindustani Flute; Karthik Nagaraj, Carnatic Violin; and Tushar Raturi, Keyboard Shanmugapandian, Cultural Co-ordinator. Nayana Wagh, Head of Cultural activities at ICC, and Udu. proposed a vote of thanks.

Pearl School organises workshop for the parents of the students

Pearl School recently hosted a workshop ‘Creating the emotional horizon you want for yourself Shetty, professional in the field of mental health. Dr Rupali welcomed the gathering. The workshop and your kids’ for the parents of the students as part of parents enrichment programme. The was conducted on developmental needs of children in perspective, art and science in nurturing workshop was conducted by Kabeer NV, Founder and Managing Director of Lifelab, and Chaitali and structuring emotions and intellect, diff erent parenting and trauma and brain development. Tuesday, March 5, 2019 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY Starfish Lane Kids organises ‘Toddler Health and Wellness Conference’

Starfish Lane Kids recently held ‘Toddler Health and Maryanne Sayers, a professional sleep consultant speaker Wellness Conference’ at Marriott Marquis City Center from Sydney, gave tips on how to improve your child’s Hotel. The conference featured various interactive sessions sleep “First and foremost, it is so important that parents on tantrums and anger, sleep routine, nutrition, health, make their child’s sleep a priority. Our top 5 tips, include separation anxiety, screen time and travelling with a ensure your child’s ‘day time’ and ‘night time’ is aligned toddler. with their natural body clock, have one consistent sleep Speaking on the occasion, Steph Gouin, a professional space for your little one, when you are at home, always sleep consultant from Melbourne, said, “Along with respond to tired signs during the day, set up the ideal nutrition and exercise, good sleep is one of the pillars of sleep environment for your child and give your child time health. You simply cannot achieve optimal physical and and space to learn how to put themselves to sleep. mental health and well-being without taking care of your “We would love to continue to help families in the Doha sleep. It is so important to set up healthy sleep habits from community, now and in the future. We provide a whole the very start. Babies, children and adults need sleep to range of sleep services, with overseas phone and video survive. When we sleep, we shine.” call options also available,” said Sayers and Gouin.

MSSS marks 18th anniversary

Morang Sunsari Service Society (MSSS), Nepali community organisation, recently organised 14th working committee of MSSS was also elected on the occasion. The new off ice bearers, include General Assembly to mark its 18th anniversary at Gulf Horizon hotel. Professor Ramesh Prasad Chiranjivi Timisina, President of MSSS; Dilip Parajuli, First Vice President; Shree Bhim Biswokarma, Koirala, Ambassador of Nepal, was the chief guest at the event. The event was chaired by Tej Second Vice President; Niyam Bhuel, General Secretary; Linanath Ghimire and Manoj Chaudary, Bahadur Katuwal, outgoing Chairman of MSSS. Various community leaders, including Binod Secretaries; Taranath Bastola, Treasurer; and Susma Khatiwada Katuwal and Sanjeev Acharya, Co Bhatterai, TB Karki, DN Baral and Nabin Pokheral were felicitated on the occasion. Treasurers. The other members of the committee, include Hikmat Bista, Kamal Giri, Kiran Thapa, The event kicked off with a candle lighting ceremony by the ambassador, which was followed by Pasuram Banjara, Yubaraj Bhujel, Roshan Tamang, Bishal Khatiwada, Biran Katayat, Birgung Thapa, Nepali national anthem. Khem Bhatterai, Prem Rai and Yojana Sharma. Speaking on the occasion, Professor Ramesh Prasad Koirala, praised Morang district community Tej Bahadur Katuwal proposed a vote of thanks. for their contributions in socio-economic development for their home district in Nepal. The new – Text and photos by Usha Wagle Gautam

IIEEP-Qatar Chapter conducts preliminary screening of engineers

The Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineer of the Philippines (IIEEP) – Qatar Chapter recently The preliminary screening was conducted to assess the qualification, years of professional conducted preliminary screening of 54 Filipino electrical engineers from Qatar and 10 Filipino experience, technical capability and the proposed ‘Technical Engineering Report’ of the electrical electrical engineers from Kuwait for the upgrading of their licences to the grade of Professional engineers in accordance to the requirements and provision of Republic Act 7920. Electrical Engineer (PEE) at Westin Plaza Hotel. The preliminary screening was administered by The PEE aspirants will now formally start preparation for their Technical Engineering Report Francis V Mapile, Chairman of the Board of Electrical Engineering of the Professional Regulation which will be presented and defended to the Board of Electrical Engineering during their final oral Commission Manila, and Jaime V Mendoza, member of the board. interview in August. 8 GULF TIMES Tuesday, March 5, 2019 COMMUNITY TGPA organises fifth Rapid Chess Tournament

Thannyam Grama Panchayath Association (TGPA) recently conducted its fifth Rapid Chess Abhudh Singh and Sarvesh Ramesh bagged first position in the tournament in various categories. Tournament at Ashoka Hall of Indian Cultural Centre. Around 400 people participated in the A total of 30 trophies were presented to top 10 players in each group. tournament. Ashraf Ambalath, President of TGPA, along with Mohammed al-Modiahki, First Qatar The event was co-ordinated by Jaise Joseph, chess trainer; and Ashraf Kummamkandath, Chess Grandmaster and President of Qatar Chess Association, inaugurated the prize distribution Co-ordinator of Chess Tournament; along with Joby, Kadhir Filfila, Shaju Pokkalath, Habeeb ceremony. Khalid al-Mohannadi was the chief guest at the event. Rappai, Director of Norka Roots, Chemmappilly, Naseer, Noushadh, Sajad, Shinas, Sunilkumar, Abdulla, Shyamlal Kalipparambil, along with Davis Edakkalathur felicitated the prize winners. Ryan Mendonza, Shivapriya Gireesh, Rajesh Amalath, VA Shajahan, Shanej and Subair.

FIELD TRIP: Doha Modern Indian School (DMIS) recently organised a field trip for the students of Kindergarten Section at MIA Park. The trip featured a nature walk along with various activities for the students. The students observed diff erent types of plants and trees present at the park.

Shangri-La Hotel, Doha achieves Forbes Travel Guide ‘Recommended’ rating

Shangri-La Hotel, Doha recently achieved the Manager of Shangri La Hotel, Doha. ‘Recommended’ rating in the 2019 edition of the Tarek M El Sayed, Managing Director and CEO of Al Forbes Travel Guide. Developed by Al Rayyan Tourism Rayyan Tourism Investment Company, said, ‘We are Investment Company WLL, the international hospitality delighted that our Shangri-La Hotel, Doha is among the subsidiary of Al Faisal Holding Company, one of Qatar’s winners of the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide 2019 Star largest private diversified industry groups, the hotel’s Awards. This award recognises the quality of Shangri-La plush accommodation and lifestyle facilities deliver a Hotel, Doha as a world-class luxury hotel and also a strong unique blend of Asian and Qatari hospitality and are endorsement of ARTIC’s investment strategy which is complemented by an exciting collection of dining and focused on asset quality, location and architectural design. entertainment venues. The award also reflects the success of our strategy of “We are honoured to be part of the Forbes Travel Guide partnering with leading international operators that are 2019 winners’ list. The award reaff irms our commitment able to add value to our assets through providing the to delight our guests with warm Asian hospitality and highest quality products and services. We look forward our team’s passion to deliver service from the heart that to continuing our partnership with Shangri-La Hotels and creates unforgettable experiences.” said TJ Joulak, General Resorts and achieving even greater results in the future.” Tuesday, March 5, 2019 GULF TIMES 9 PHOTOGRAPHY COMMUNITY German photographer captures century old models About 15,000 people in Germany alone are over 100 years old – and that number is growing. A German photographer has made it his mission to capture centurions across the world in photos; he’s been very impressed by his chosen subjects

PHOTOGRAPHER: German photographer Karsten Thormaehlen holds the finished advertisement that uses a photograph he shot of a 103-year-old.

physical health problems. Getting married young and By Sandra Trauner At 53, Thormaehlen is about becoming a housewife and mother half the age of the people was never an option for her: “I he photographs. He lives in had ambitions.” hen German Wiesbaden, has a studio in Style was always her passion. photographer talks Frankfurt and has become a sought- She studied interior design in about his models, after expert when it comes to the 1950s, later ran a furniture his face lights up. elderly people. and design business and has also One is 101 and a Munich-based publisher designed apartments for friends, Wswimming instructor, while another Knesebeck has recently published a acquaintances and relatives. is 100 and used to be a plumber third illustrated book of his portraits “I’m alone, but I’m not lonely,” and an artist. Still another is 102 (100 Jahre Lebensglueck, or 100 says Wolf, who has been a and just got a new girlfriend. The Years of Personal Happiness), and widow for 30 years. She married 116-year-old one is more elusive his works have been shown in more late – to a doctor – and has no than the pope. than 50 exhibitions worldwide. children, grandchildren or great- Thormaehlen has been working It all began when Thormaehlen grandchildren. “But I have a large with people who have made it to spotted a picture in a newspaper circle of friends. You need to hold three fi gures for more than 10 years next to a report about a man’s on to that too.” To mark her 100th now. 100th birthday and found the dull birthday, Wolf wrote down some One of them is Ingeborg Wolf, image “unworthy of such a life of her memories – by hand. She 103, from the town of Kronberg im achievement,” he says. never got along with computers Taunus, near Frankfurt. MODEL: Ingeborg Wolf, 103, recently modelled for the German photographer. He pitched a series featuring – not that she thinks she would She goes to the gym regularly, people over 100 to his agent – and have been incapable of learning. does work in interior design, drives Asian art – all in a carefully chosen every 1 million Europeans. In 2015, his fi rst model was her 102-year- “It’s not as though we old people without glasses – and recently tried colour scheme. She’s wearing a light that number was 150; in 2030, it old grandmother. “I was really can’t learn anything any more,” her hand at professional modelling. blue cashmere sweater and a pearl could be as many as 343. surprised how agile she was,” he she says. Wolf was photographed for a necklace, is tastefully made up and Not all of them are in such good says. But such an ugly box, and what clothing company that decided to looks quite the style guru. health, but many are sharper than It’s a response he’s had many are you supposed to do with all mark its 100th anniversary with She’s already done an hour of you might expect. In a recent study more times over the past 12 years: those cables? No – her niece does an advertising campaign featuring exercise today. “The best thing of people over 100 by researchers Many of the older people he’s the typing for her.Photos from people who were at least the same you can do against old age is move, in the German city of Heidelberg, met have left him feeling “very Wolf’s younger days show a young age. Her photo is accompanied by move, move,” she says. more than half of the participants impressed,” he says. girl on horseback; a fiance who the words: “Style consciousness Wolf is one of about 15,000 had no or only minor mental Wolf is the kind of person who died in World War II; a classy doesn’t end at 100.” people over the age of 100 in limitations. probably made a big impression young lady with a touch of Audrey Wolf’s apartment in an old Germany. The number of people It’s a diff erent story when it throughout her life. She was born Hepburn; a dynamic older woman people’s home is tastefully reaching three fi gures is growing comes to physical fi tness: Not a in 1915 in what was then part of with a stormy hairstyle. decorated with antique furniture, fast all over the world. In 2000, single person among those surveyed Russia and grew up in Rostock, on “I could tell novels,” she sighs. design classics, and modern and there were 59 people over 100 for reported being completely free of Germany’s north coast. – DPA 10 GULF TIMES Tuesday, March 5, 2019 COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHIC Tuesday, March 5, 2019 GULF TIMES 11 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY Eating tomatoes can help fight liver cancer, inflammation

igher consumption vitamin C, folate, minerals, phenolic of tomatoes could compounds and dietary fibres. be associated with a In addition, feeding mice tomato decreased risk of liver powder increased the richness and cancer caused by high-fat diversity of benefi cial microbiota and Hdiets, a study has found. prevented the over-growth of some The study, conducted on mice, bacteria related to infl ammation, said showed that tomatoes are rich in the study, published in the journal lycopene – a strong antioxidant, anti- Cancer Prevention Research. infl ammatory and anti-cancer agent For the study, infant mice were – which helps in eff ectively reducing infected with a liver carcinogen and then fatty liver disease, infl ammation and fed an unhealthy high-fat diet similar to liver cancer development. a Western diet, with or without tomato “Consuming whole foods like powder containing lycopene. tomatoes and processed tomatoes from Other foods including guava, sauces, tomato paste, canned whole watermelon, grapefruit, papaya, tomato products, ketchup and juice, and sweet red pepper also contain provides the best source of lycopene,” lycopene, but in much lower said Xiang-Dong Wang, Professor at concentrations compared to Tufts University in the US. tomatoes. Interestingly, we observed that Eating tomatoes and tomato tomato powder is more eff ective than products such as tomato sauce rich the same dose of purifi ed lycopene in lycopene is also associated with a supplementation to prevent liver lower risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer development, said Wang. osteoporosis, diabetes, and certain This could be due to the potential cancers, including prostate, lung, beneficial effects of other nutrients breast and colon cancer, the study in a whole tomato, such as vitamin E, showed. – IANS

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

You’re quite sure of yourself and solid about many things except When it comes to love and romance, things are definitely in your Things regarding love and romance may be a bit dicey for you, one. When it comes to romantic relationships, you feel a bit unsure favour, Taurus. The thing to be aware of today is that there might be Gemini. You may find that you have to make a few adjustments and inadequate, Aries. It could be that you’re indecisive about how some manipulation on the part of someone close to you. Take care in order to remain on the same page as your loved ones. Neither to proceed. There’s a strong urge to take charge, but also a tendency that someone else’s need for freedom isn’t negatively aff ecting your one of you may feel like taking the lead at this time, causing some to slow things down and let others take the lead. Figure out your relationship. Communication is key in order to maintain a healthy hesitation in the relationship. While each of you is trying to second- needs before you make long-term plans with others. romance at any level. guess the other, confusion is likely to reign. CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

The more tightly you try to hang onto something, Cancer, the more Matters involving love and romance might not go exactly the way Things should be going well for you in the love and romance likely it is it will want to slip through your fingers. Grab what you you’d like, Leo. You could be waiting for your partner to make the department, Virgo, but you could find that today things get a bit want, but don’t squeeze too hard. Maintain an important balance next move, since you’re unsure of which way the relationship is tenuous. While you want things to be clear and planned out, it between showing someone you care by taking them under your progressing. At the same time, it may be that your partner is the one could be that your partner longs for more freedom and spontaneity. wing and allowing them the freedom to be their own person. waiting for you. Keep the lines of communication open and stop Tension may result if either party becomes too set in their ways. The Sensitive feelings are operating today, so proceed with care. playing confusing mind games. tension may arise when neither partner wants to take the lead. LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

People may be wondering how to proceed while you’re off doing Recent events in the love and romance department may have you Be careful that you aren’t manipulating a romantic situation so your your own thing. Don’t go in one direction and leave someone else feeling like you aren’t getting your needs met, Scorpio. Remember partner loses any power, Sagittarius. You may think your actions are behind, Libra. In matters regarding love and romance, you may have that other people aren’t mind readers the way you are. If someone’s noble and well meaning, but you may be creating a scenario that has to slow down and communicate with your partner. Take the lead and behaviour isn’t right with you, say so. Romantic partnerships should no basis in reality. People could be impressionable, but that doesn’t try not to get slowed down by other people’s indecisiveness. You uplift and support your dreams, not something you make personal mean you should take advantage of this by promoting your own know which direction to go, so go there. sacrifices for just to maintain. interests at the expense of another’s. CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

Things in the love department may be looking up for you, Capricorn, You may find that you’re indecisive when it comes to issues Try to get more grounded in your actions regarding love and but beware that you aren’t getting pushed around. Your partner concerning love and romance, Aquarius. For some reason, you romance, Pisces. You may need to take a more reserved approach in could feel the need for more freedom in the relationship, while have a tendency to pull one way and then the other, yet neither your actions in order to get where you need to go. At the same time, you’re hoping to find more commitment. Take it one day at a time. way seems very rewarding. Don’t feel like you have to take concrete however, your freedom-loving, adventurous side may feel the need Don’t get ahead of yourself by projecting scenarios that may not action at this time. In fact, if you do, this commitment may cause you to roam more freely. This is a tough combination of energies to work come to fruition. You’re only setting yourself up for disappointment. more frustration later. with, so do your best to find a balance. 12 GULF TIMES Tuesday, March 5, 2019 COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES

Wordsearch Adam

Pooch Cafe

Tables

BILLIARD HIGH POOL BIRD LEAGUE REFECTORY COFFEE MULTIPLICATION ROUND DINING OCCASIONAL TIDE DRESSING PEMBROKE WATER GATELEG PERIODIC WRITING

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. Tuesday, March 5, 2019 GULF TIMES 13 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Super Cryptic Clues Colouring

ACROSS DOWN 1. Employed by the 1. About to reappoint inapt team- state, see, becomes leader (7) hardened and 2. Record album (3,4) insensitive (9) 3. The city can be OK as a change 8. Take turns (7) (5) 9. Show boy to a social 4. Colonist discharging debts (7) worker (7) 5. Doctor Jack’s so dull (4) 10. Don’t allow anger to 6. Othello in back-room production show after attack (7) (4) 13. A state benefit 7. Seed men scattered over the Butler held to be very land (7) attractive (8) 11. Bit of a bloomer made by some 14. Kind person (4) errant heroine (6) 16. Stripped Verity (5,5) 12. Care about a genus of tree (4) 20. Seer’s outlandish 15. Superior salesman going up- tongue (4) country (4) 22. Angry about moving 17. On the right road to write a song the famous (3) statue (4) 18. Pleased about the luxury (4) Answers 24. Upset by girl’s 19. Dullness of new diet you finally being given a lesson get many to follow (6) Wordsearch Codeword outside (10) 21. Very hot note (3) 28. Iolanthe’s ripe for a 22. Some select editions getting new production (4) returned (7) 29. Seizes money on the 23. Nothing to write, that’s clear (4) way back (8) 25. Drum out of the army a doctor 31. Take in when the belonging to us (7) sun’s about to come 26. Bait I swallowed, not being out (7) Jewish (7) 34. Not in a band - ill- 27. Arts set working on samplers (7) suited (7) 30. Joe turned to Ron (5) 35. Circle of listeners (7) 32. Boat bearing on the island (4) 36. People setting free 33. Urges to eat (4) dogs (9)

Yesterday’s Solutions

ACROSS: 3 Put in a word 8 DOWN: 1 Flourish 2 Swoons 3 Flower 9 Twit 10 Out of sorts 11 Present 4 Tarry 5 Nuts 6 On Her 13 Miss 14 Riposte 15 Thee the set 7 Dear dear 12 Opal 14 17 Shred 20 Later 22 Soda 24 Reed 16 Hose 17 Sundries 18 Notable 25 Rita 27 Roc 28 Reticent 19 Dabs 21 Entirely 23 Prison fare 29 Evil 30 Noodle Appoint 25 Reflow 26 Pinto 28 31 Setting out. Plan. 14 GULF TIMES Tuesday, March 5, 2019 COMMUNITY POP SPOT

in brief

Emma Bunton

There has been a good deal of talk in recent years about a possible reunion. Plans for concerts and new have been announced but none have yet to materialise. Something never mentioned amongst all those Spice Girls twists and turns has been new music from . But the 43-year-old mother of two, formerly tagged as Baby Spice, has returned to the music scene with Baby Please Don’t Stop, her first solo single since 2007’s All I Need To Know. The track is taken from Emma’s fourth solo album, My Happy Place, which is scheduled for release on April 12. It is her first album since 2006’s Life in Mono. Despite reaching the UK top 10 with her first two solo albums, A Girl Like Me and Free Me, the failure of Life in Mono, which peaked at number 65, led to Emma losing her record deal with Universal Music. The album did spawn one big hit single, a cover of CONFIDENT: AJ Tracey says self-titling the album is like expressing belief in the project. Downtown, Petula Clark’s 1964 international chart- topper, but this was a charity song for the BBC’s Children In Need appeal. It is the BMG label which has shown faith in Emma’s ability to generate solid sales with her new music. Yet My Happy Place features just two new songs, Self-titled debut album Baby Please Don’t Stop and Too Many Teardrops. The other tracks are covers of some of Emma’s favourite songs. Interestingly, one of these is the Spice Girls hit, 2 Become1, which includes guest vocals from . brings fame for AJ Tracey The video for Baby Please Don’t Stop, which also features members of Emma’s family, is posted at www..com/watch?v=68NM1axZ9XE. At free of charge, AJ was not afraid to apply “I wanted to prove I’m more than just the height of her popularity, the song would have By Geoff rey Rowlands strict quality control. He scrapped both an EP a grime MC and I’ve achieved this with undoubtedly become a massive hit. Let’s see what and a mix-tape. the songs on my album. There are loads of happens now. “A lot of artistes might have thought diff erent genres on there but everything is ou might perhaps have come they were wasting money. But I regarded cohesive. Sugababes across music by a British grime scrapping those things as an investment in “I didn’t want it to sound experimental. rapper named Looney or Loonz. my future. If I could listen to them and feel I wanted it to sound natural. That’s what it Despite Emma Bunton releasing a new single and A number of his tracks can still some of the songs were not good enough, I’m is because I enjoy music from all diff erent forthcoming album, the latest Spice Girls reunion be found online at (no www.) sure the same would be true for critics and genres. The album tracks cover diff erent plan is still on course. There are a total of 13 concerts soundcloud.com/looneytellemY What you fans. I wasn’t going to put out anything I felt speeds as well as diff erent styles. I even sing scheduled for May and June in large capacity sports may not know is this was the original stage was substandard.” as well as rap. stadiums across Britain and Ireland. name of 25-year-old Londoner Che Wolton The quality of his musical output, allied “The album was built around three It now seems like the Sugababes could also be Grant, better known now as AJ Tracey. to numerous performances on pirate radio, core songs which I really liked. These are reuniting for a British and European concert tour. He had performed as Looney for three quickly earned AJ a loyal and ever-growing Ladbroke Grove, Rina and Necklace. They are Singer Amelle Berrabah recently revealed that years before deciding upon the name change fan following. He became feted as one of the completely diff erent in terms of topics, genres numerous promoters have off ered lucrative contracts in 2014. AJ bade farewell to Looney in style. grime genre’s hottest up and coming MCs. and moods. This gave me the basis around for the girls to re-form. His fi nal release under the old name was No “I released two EPs in 2015, The Front and which I could develop the rest of the songs.” But unlike the Spice Girls, there have been four More Looney, a 33-track mix-tape which Alex Moran. There was no charge for either The lead single Butterfl ies, which won diff erent Sugababes line-ups covering a total of six remains available to hear and download at and I threw in another free EP as a Christmas him the GRM Daily Track of the Year award girls. Conflicts and contradictions characterised www.datpiff .com/AJ-Tracey-No-More- Day gift to my fans. These releases really got for 2018 and features his close friend Not3s, pretty much their entire history from 1998 onwards. Looney-mixtape.643211.html me noticed and put me in the front rank of perfectly represents the variety of styles on Fortunately, Sugababes fans cared much more about Fellow grime MC Big Zuu is one of the younger grime artistes. AJ’s album. It is a nod to his West Indian their music than the group’s internal troubles. Five guest artistes on No More Looney. He also “I don’t want to sound arrogant but I knew paternal roots fusing Trinidadian soca with of their seven studio albums made the UK top 10, happens to be AJ’s cousin. I was creating quality work. I knew the ability dancehall. including a chart topper with Taller in More Ways, “I’m keeping it in the family,” AJ smiled. I possessed and the plan I had. I knew what I “It’s my take on those styles. They aren’t while they recorded 18 top 10 hit singles six of which “I get on great with my cousin. Always have wanted to put out so I really believed things heard much on the UK music scene so I reached number one. done so collaborating with him is something would go well for me.” wanted to showcase them. But Butterfl ies Their faithful fans would certainly welcome a we both enjoy. But my whole family is The following year saw AJ release his fi rst is not a traditional soca or dancehall track. Sugababes comeback tour. The only question would musical. My dad is from Trinidad. He was pay for EP, Lil Tracey. He also recorded but It’s like all the diff erent genres on my album. be which of the girls made up the re-formed group. a rapper. My mother is Welsh but she was a did not release a trap EP, Rain. Just as Country Star is my interpretation jungle DJ on pirate radio. I started “I wanted to diversify my output. I released of country music so Butterfl ies is my Drake when I was six so it was probably inevitable a couple of tracks from Rain but decided the interpretation of soca and dancehall.” that I’d make my career in music.” EP as a whole wasn’t good enough. I was The confi dence AJ has in his music is not Ariana Grande may have made many headlines but His career choice might have been becoming really well known so didn’t want only displayed in the songs which stray from it is Drake who has been named as the world’s best- predestined but AJ was initially set on an to risk my career progression by releasing his established style of grime but also in the selling recording artiste of 2018. entirely diff erent career path. something which wasn’t quite right.” eponymous album title. His 25-track double album, Scorpion, reached “I had decided to study criminology at His next EP, 2017’s Secure the Bag, “I’ve always thought it was cool when number one in 92 countries. It broke multiple global London Metropolitan University. But the became AJ’s mainstream breakthrough. It artistes self-titled their albums. It’s like streaming records and was further boosted by call of music was just too strong. I only really reached number 13 on the UK albums chart expressing belief in the quality of their work. massive hit singles such as God’s Plan, Nice For What liked one of my university lecturers so it and spawned his fi rst UK top 75 single, They’re saying this is my project, here you go. and In My Feelings. wasn’t as if I particularly enjoyed doing the Quarterback (Secure the Bag!). “That’s the kind of thing I wanted to say The Global Recording Artist of the Year Award was course. I was still making songs on a part- AJ’s subsequent singles have all become about my album. But, there is also a second only established in 2013 when One Direction were time basis so it wasn’t a diffi cult choice for UK chart hits. But it was his self-titled debut reason in that I’m about to begin a world tour the initial recipients. But Drake has now become me to drop out of uni and work full-time on album which has made him an internationally promoting the record. I didn’t want anyone the first artiste to receive the accolade on two my music.” acclaimed artiste. AJ Tracey has so far peaked who sees me to be in any doubt about which occasions. He was previously the world’s top-selling Despite his initial output being available at number three. album to buy.” artiste in 2016. Tuesday, March 5, 2019 GULF TIMES 15 SHOWBIZ COMMUNITY I’ve become greedier and selective: Divya

LOVE BIRDS: In January 2007, Timberlake began dating actress Jessica Biel and the couple married on October 19, 2012 at the Borgo Egnazia resort in Fasano, Italy.

Timberlake calls wife ‘most wonderful human’ Singer-actor Justin Timberlake honoured his wife Jessica Biel on her birthday by calling her the “most wonderful human”. Biel turned 37 on Sunday and the singer posted a mix of throwback and current photographs from their relationship on Instagram, reports eonline.com. They include pictures of them smiling in a car, posing together like teens at prom and driving in a convertible. There’s even one of Timberlake dressed up in an outfi t making him look like a Roman emperor. “My partner in this thang called life... you are the most wonderful human I have ever met,” he wrote. “You make me smile, laugh, and love life more than I VERSATILE: Divya Dutta has established a successful career in Bollywood and Punjabi cinema, but has also appeared in knew I could. I cherish every moment with you and can’t Malayalam and English films. wait to spend so many more years doing the same... but, new.” t’s a case of ‘dil maange’ more for ‘only do this’ or ‘go ahead and do just Divya had opened up about how she He concluded: “Happy Birthday, you God of all smoke Divya Dutta as far as risky fi lms something drastically diff erent’... I love thought it was “blasphemous” to play shows! Love, your Huz.” – IANS and characters are concerned. to experiment more. a supporting role in Yash Chopra’s After an eventful 2018 in “When you are accepted and Veer-Zaara, which came her way after Saif, Ali Fazal, Fatima to star in which she won a National Award acknowledged and loved, I think they a couple of multi-starrer projects horror comedy Bhoot Police Ias Best Supporting Actress, Divya’s (the industry members) give you the which she was not proud of. But her slate for 2019 is diverse and impressive. freedom to choose more and take more role as Shabbo in the cross-border love Actor Saif Ali Khan is teaming up with Ali Fazal and There’s the Malala Yousufzai biopic risks. I have always done that, but I story continues to garner love. Fatima Sana Shaikh for the upcoming 3D horror comedy Gul Makai, Netfl ix fi lm Music Teacher, think I want to do more. It’s like dil Is playing the lead girl in a Yash Raj fi lm titled Bhoot Police, Fox Star Studios announced children’s fi lm Jhalki... A Diff erent maange more. I think I am in a position Films’ banner fi lm a dream she still yesterday. Childhood, a psychological thriller to sit and just look at the scripts and harbours? The fi lm will be helmed by Pawan Kripalani, who is with Arshad Warsi and Juhi Chawla, say ‘I want to do this’ or ‘I don’t want “I think times have changed now. known for directing thrillers like Phobia and Ragini MMS Abhi Toh Party Shuru Hui Hai and Ram to do that’,” she added. Everyone is now story-oriented. All in the past. Singh Charlie – all signifying quite a Divya’s Bollywood journey had your so-called stars want to do the “Bhoots beware! Pavan Kripalani ... Saif Ali Khan, mix of genres and number. started in 1994 with Ishq Mein roles that I do. It’s like that... It’s Fatima Sana Shaikh, Ali Fazal are teaming up for ‘Bhoot “It’s great. I think I have become Jeena Ishq Mein Marna. She has become a role reversal everywhere. The Police’, a horror comedy in 3D! Shoot commences in slightly greedier and more selective, been appreciated for her impactful stories have become distinct. August, 2019,” a tweet read on the offi cial page of but I think it’s lovely,” Divya told IANS performances in fi lms like Veer-Zaara, “But of course, we have grown up on Fox Star Hindi. in an interview. Delhi-6, Heroine, , Yash Chopra’s fi lms. If given a chance, Fatima shared the same post and wrote: “Excited”. “There’s no strategy or plan that Traffi c and Irada for which she won the I would defi nitely dance in the Alps in a Apart from Bhoot Police, Saif will next be seen in the now I will only do this. But it’s just that National Award. At the International chiff on sari,” she said with a laugh. second season of TV show Sacred Games and Taanaji: The your heart says ‘now don’t do this’ and Film Festival of India (IFFI) last year, – IANS Unsung Warrior, while he is gearing up for the release of his fi lm Milan Talkies. – IANS Spielberg to propose Oscar rules that News about the increasingly blurry lines that separate could disqualify streaming fi lms various media. “You certainly – if it’s a good show – deserve an Emmy, but not an Oscar.” After Roma’s three Oscar wins last Sunday, director The news of Spielberg’s proposal prompted pushback Steven Spielberg is taking aim at streaming fi lms for future from director Ava DuVernay, whose recent film 13th . was produced and distributed by Netflix. Noting that Spielberg will present his case to peers at an upcoming the upcoming board of governors meeting was closed, annual board of governors meeting at the Academy of DuVernay wrote that she hoped the board would “have Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, where he will propose filmmakers in the room or read statements from directors rule changes that would prevent streaming services such like me who feel differently.” as Netfl ix, Amazon and Hulu from competing in the Oscars The issue is in the news following this year’s Oscars, without its projects getting full theatrical runs fi rst. The which for the second straight year included nominated news was fi rst reported on Indiewire. Netflix releases, some of which played in theatres only for “Steven feels strongly about the diff erence between the a few weeks. streaming and theatrical situation,” a representative of In addition to Roma’s limited theatrical run, the Coen Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment told the site. brothers’ The Ballad of Buster Scruggsalso played in A spokesperson for the company did not respond to theatres for several weeks before being released on the request for comment. streamer. Roma was nominated for 10 Oscars, while The This isn’t the fi rst time Spielberg has made his feelings Ballad of Buster Scruggs was up for three. IN THE FRAME: Pavan Kirpalani’s Bhoot Police will see Ali known on the distinction between Hollywood’s big screen Among other streaming outlets, Amazon’s Cold War Fazal along with Saif Ali Khan, Fatima Sana Shaikh in leading and TV’s small one. was nominated for three awards but won none. Roma won roles. “Once you commit to a television format, you’re a TV three awards, including directing, cinematography and movie,” Spielberg said last year in a conversation with ITV foreign language film. – Los Angeles Times/ TNS 16 GULF TIMES Tuesday, March 5, 2019 COMMUNITY French embassy marks International Women’s Day

French Embassy for inviting me. By Mudassir Raja Today, I will strictly share my personal views and experiences as a researcher with you. In my globally-recognised opinion, women in Qatar have celebration that made great achievements. There has been observed are reasons for that. The fi rst since the early reason is the historical nature of 1900s, International the Qatari society. As we all know, AWomen’s Day falls on March 8. Its before the oil production, the life offi cial stated aim is to progress in Qatar was very hard. Men had to gender parity. All around the go far away from homes in search world, seminars, workshops and of livelihood for months. During conferences are held to highlight that time, women would take care the contributions made by of the community. They were women as leading fi gures in their the managers of the community. respective societies. Even in the Bedouin lifestyle, the Like rest of the world, Doha also women had a great role to play. hosted many activities to highlight They used to attend their guests the role and real importance of in the absence of men. In this women in the society. In this historical backdrop, the women in regard, the Embassy of France Qatar have always been as strong, and Maison de la Fracne, in co- respectful and important part of operation with diff erent French the society. The life was so hard organisations and companies, that the women could not sit idle. recently organised ‘Women “Since Qatar’s oil and gas and Diversity Lunch Talk’ in W industry started developing, things Doha Hotel. Working women, have changed a lot. The education particularly working at important system has brought many changes positions in diff erent organisations in the society. Education started in Qatar, attended the conference in Qatar during 1950s. First school in large numbers. started in 1955. The government Franck Cellet, Ambassador of started many incentives France, attended the interactive encouraging parents to send their conference as a special guest. The children to the modern schools. conference featured speeches Most of the population of Qatar by various experts along with an was concentrated in Doha and Al interactive session between the ADDRESS: Dr Sheikha bint Abdulla al-Misnad, Qatari educationist and researcher, speaking on the occasion. Khor. It was easy to provide school audience and two sets of expert Photos by Ram Chand education for all.” panels. The educationist, with the help The programme kicked off with Dr Clare Beckett-Mcinroy, at Total; Navdeep Lamba, HR hesitate to raise questions for the of data and statistics, highlighted a key-note speech by Dr Sheikha Executive Coach at Qatar Financial Manager at Thales; Alen Isac, speakers. We thank and appreciate about the progress of women in bint Abdulla al-Misnad, a Qatari Centre; Maryam al-Kaab, Chief Deputy HR Manager at Alstom. the speakers for participating Qatar because of education. She educationist and researcher. Administrator and Personnel While opening the session, Lionel in the programme. We are also said that the government of Qatar Tanguy De Belair, director of Offi cer at North Oil Company; Levha, President of Maison de la thankful to the French embassy continues to encourage students to Diversity, Vinci Group, also spoke and Dr Noora Fetais, Director France, said. “This initiative is a and our sponsors, including Total, obtain education wherever in the on the occasion on ‘What is of Kindi Centre for Computing part of the International Women’s Alstom, Technip FMC, INCI, world they want to. Diversity?’ Research, College of Engineering Day. We should appreciate the French Chamber of Commerce, Her address was followed by an There were two panels of experts Qatar University. The second panel roles played by women around and French Business Council.” interactive session, further raising that took part in the interactive had human resource managers, the world, whatever the situation Speaking on the occasion, Dr awareness about the progress of session. The fi rst panel consisted including Wafa al-Safaar, Lead be. We have tried to make this Sheikha bint Abdulla al-Misnad, women in Qatar, in particular, and of prominent women, included CSR and Institutional Relations event as open as possible. Do not said, “I am thankful to the in the world, in general.

AUDIENCE: Participants and guests at ‘Women and Diversity Lunch Talk’ .