Community Community The Non- Milena Savova, Resident Director of P7Nepalese P16 the Language Koch Society organises Center at the Translation and a musical programme to Interpreting Institute, talks about mark the Nepali festival the role the institute plays in of Maha Shivaratri. Doha’s multi-cultural society.

Sunday, March 12, 2017 Jumada II 13, 1438 AH

DOHA 20°C—30°C TODAY PUZZLES 12 & 13 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE 14 With hope

Pakistani author says even if

COVER it’s hard at the moment to STORY imagine a future we actually want, it’s time to do so. P4-5

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE: Mohsin Hamid 2 GULF TIMES Sunday, March 12, 2017 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

PRAYER TIME Fajr 4.31am Shorooq (sunrise) 5.47am Zuhr (noon) 11.44am Asr (afternoon) 3.08pm Maghreb (sunset) 5.43pm Isha (night) 7.13pm

USEFUL NUMBERS

Kong: Skull Island Hiddleston, Samuel L Jackson, John Goodman, Brie Larson, DIRECTION: Jordan Vogt-Roberts Jing Tian, Toby Kebbell, John Ortiz, Corey Hawkins, Jason WRITTEN BY: , Max Borenstein, Derek Mitchell, Shea Whigham, Thomas Mann, Terry Notary and Connolly John C Reilly. In Kong: Skull Island, the Monarch operative Dr CAST: Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L Jackson, Brie Larson Bill Randa leads an expedition team ahead to the uncharted Emergency 999 SYNOPSIS: Kong: Skull Island is an American monster island Skull Island, where they fi nd they must face against the Worldwide Emergency Number 112 fi lm directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts and written by Dan dangerous Skullcrawlers with the help of the eccentric Hank Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991 Gilroy, Max Borenstein and , from a story by Marlow and the mighty ape known as Kong. Local Directory 180 . The fi lm is a reboot of the franchise International Calls Enquires 150 and serves as the second fi lm in Legendary’s MonsterVerse, LOCATIONS: Roxy, Gulf Mall, Villaggio, Al Khor, Royal Hamad International Airport 40106666 following . It stars an ensemble cast consisting of Tom Plaza, Landmark City Centre Labor Department 44508111, 44406537 Mowasalat Taxi 44588888 Qatar Airways 44496000 The LEGO Batman Movie Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222, 44393333 DIRECTION: Chris McKay Qatar General Electricity and WRITTEN BY: Seth Grahame- Water Corporation 44845555, 44845464 Smith, Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers, Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333 Jared Stern, and John Whittington 44593363 CAST: Will Arnett, Michael Cera, Qatar Assistive Technology Rosario Dawson Centre 44594050 SYNOPSIS: The Lego Batman Qatar News Agency 44450205 Movie is a 2017 3D computer-animated 44450333 superhero comedy fi lm produced by Q-Post – General Postal Warner Animation Group and DC Corporation 44464444 Entertainment. It is a spin-off of the 2014 fi lm The Lego Movie, focusing on Humanitarian Services Offi ce the DC Comics character Batman. Phil (Single window facility for the repatriation of bodies) Lord and Christopher Miller, writers Ministry of Interior 40253371, 40253372, and directors of the original fi lm, act 40253369 as producers. It stars the voices of Will Ministry of Health 40253370, 40253364 Arnett, Zach Galifi anakis, Michael Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365 Cera, Rosario Dawson and Ralph Qatar Airways 40253374 Fiennes. The story revolves around Bruce Wayne, who must not only deal with the criminals of Gotham City, but also the responsibility of raising a boy he adopted. LOCATIONS: Villaggio, Gulf Mall ote Unquo u te Q Mall Cinema (1): Gamba (2D) Skull Island (2D) 9:15pm; Kong: You live and 2:30pm; Logan (2D) 4:15pm; Skull Island (2D) 11:30pm. learn. At any rate, Gamba (2D) 6:45pm; Logan Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (2): (2D) 8:30pm; Angamaly Diaries 6:30pm; Viceroy’s House (2D) Gamba (2D) 2:30pm; Viceroy’s you live. (Malayalam) 11pm. 9pm; Logan (2D) 11pm. House (2D) 4:30pm; Badrinath Mall Cinema (2): Kong: Skull Landmark Cinema (2): Kong: Ki Dulhania (Hindi) 6:30pm; Island (2D) 2:30pm; Kong: Skull Skull Island (2D) 2pm; Kong: Skull Angamaly Diaries (Malayalam) – Douglas Adams Island (2D) 4:45pm; Kong: Skull Island (2D) 4:15pm; Kong: Skull 9pm; Logan (2D) 11:30pm. Island (2D) 7pm; Kong: Skull Island Island (2D) 6:30pm; Kong: Skull Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (2): (2D) 9:15pm; Kong: Skull Island Island (2D) 8:45pm; Kong: Skull Angamaly Diaries (Malayalam) (2D) 11:30pm. Island (2D) 11pm. 2:30pm; Gamba (2D) 5pm; Logan Mall Cinema (2): Angamaly Landmark Cinema (3): Badrinath (2D) 7pm; The Devil’s Doll (2D) Diaries (Malayalam) 2pm; Ki Dulhania (Hindi) 2pm; Gamba 9:30pm; Badrinath Ki Dulhania Badrinath Ki Dulhania (Hindi) (2D) 4:30pm; The Devil’s Doll (Hindi) 11:15pm. Community Editor 4:30pm; Viceroy’s House (2D) (2D) 6:30pm; Angamaly Diaries Asian Town Cinema: Munthiri Kamran Rehmat 7pm; Badrinath Ki Dulhania (Malayalam) 8:30pm; Badrinath Ki Vallikal (Malayalam) 3:15 & 9pm; (Hindi) 9pm; The Devil’s Doll (2D) Dulhania (Hindi) 11pm. Badrinath Ki Dulhania (Hindi) e-mail: [email protected] 11:30pm. Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (1): 5:45 & 10:30; Fukri (Malayalam) Telephone: 44466405 Landmark Cinema (1): Gamba Kong: Skull Island (2D) 2:30pm; 6:30pm; Aby (Malayalam) Fax: 44350474 (2D) 2:15pm; Angamaly Diaries Kong: Skull Island (2D) 4:45pm; 6:15 & 11pm; Angamaly Diaries (Malayalam) 4pm; Logan (2D) Kong: Skull Island (2D) 7pm; Kong: (Malayalam) 6:30, 8:30 & 11pm. Sunday, March 12, 2017 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

historical circumstances of politics and artistic itinerary of modernism and profi les the practice production of their time, primarily from the of the Iraqi artist. The exhibition is curated by 16th to the 18th centuries. Catherine David, Deputy Director of Musée National d’Art Moderne at the Centre Georges Picasso-Giacometti Pompidou, Paris. WHEN: Until May 21 WHERE: Fire Station Artist In Residence Revival of Qatar’s musical heritage and This exhibition brings together more than Qatari Folk singing programme 120 works by Picasso and Giacometti, drawn WHEN: Thursday, Friday until April 28 from the collections of the Musée national WHERE: Beach 15, Katara Picasso-Paris and the Fondation Giacometti in TIME: 6pm to 10pm Paris, as well as exceptional loans from French Residents will have the opportunity to watch and other international collections, covering and enjoy authentic Qatari musical arts and folk paintings, sculptures, sketches, photographs singing every weekend until April 28, 2017 at and interviews with the artists. Katara. The exhibition refl ects two years of research The second edition of this cultural show undertaken by the Fondation Giacometti dubbed as ‘The Revival of Qatar’s Musical and the Musée national Picasso-Paris, Heritage and Qatari Folk Singing Programme’ which reveals for the fi rst time the previously is in line with Katara’s continuous eff orts to unknown relationship between these two preserve the heritage of Qatar’s ancestors. artists, who, despite an age gap of twenty years, Some sideline activities at the event include shared many moments, both personal and training sessions, competitions, exhibitions, professional. documentary research, publications, and It has been organised in six sections, evoking lectures and seminars. diff erent aspects of each artist’s production, including the development of their work as EVENTS Activities during the Francophonie Days young artists through to their modernist include concerts of Caribbean music, theatre, creations, showing the correspondences Spring Workshop linguistic and artistic competitions and between their works, the infl uence of the WHERE: TCA Qatar screenings of French movies. surrealist movement, and the return to realism WHEN: March 15-30 On Tuesday, March 14, the public will during the post-war period. TCA Qatar is organising its Spring Workshop discover the French gastronomy and become The exhibition will be accompanied by a from March 15. The workshop will consist of familiar with the French language during the series of lectures and an extensive education painting (age 5-15), calligraphy (age 5-15) and opening evening of the Francophonie which programme, as well as a self-guided handbook abacus (age 5-15). It will also have sessions on will take place in the gardens of the Qatar for the visitors. speaking etiquettes, debating and dressing for National Theater at 4pm. The festivities will A richly illustrated catalogue published as occasions in diff erent sessions targeted at two continue on March 18, with the “Olympiads co-edition with Flammarion will accompany age groups: 10-14 and 15-18. For further details, of the Francophonie” (from 2pm to 6pm at the the exhibition, featuring new essays by art Chamber Music at MIA: Music of Qatar please get in touch with the organisers at 6652- Voltaire School in Al Waab). historians and the curators of the exhibition. and Germany 3871. On Wednesday, March 22 and Thursday, WHEN: April 13 March 23, the public will meet Ymelda Marie Nagham TIME: 6pm-7pm JR Répertoire Louise and her musicians, a Caribbean band. WHERE: The Backyard at Sheraton Grand WHERE: Atrium, Museum of Islamic Art WHERE: Qatar Museums Gallery in Katara On March 23, the musicians of Qatar Music Hotel The next monthly free chamber music (Building 10) Academy will perform with Ymelda Marie WHEN: Thursdays concert by members of the Qatar Philharmonic WHEN: Until May 31 Louise’s band. They will take place at the Ritz- TIME: 8pm onwards Orchestra in the atrium of Museum of Islamic JR, the celebrated French artist, is the subject Carlton’s garden at 8pm. After the success of The Backyard, a concept Art will be on April 13, with the West Bay of a major retrospective show in Qatar being Finally, cinema afi cionados will have the is born to introduce Arabic music adding a skyline as a backdrop. No tickets or reservations held by Qatar Museums at QM Gallery Katara opportunity to watch, for the fi rst time in Qatar, twist of International tunes. Live band music by required. All ages welcome. Seating will be on a in Doha. the latest Emmanuelle Bercot movie, La Fille de Nagham’s offi cial band and guest artists every fi rst-come fi rst-serve basis. JR is amongst a handful of world-renowned Brest, released in France in November 2016. week. The entrance fee is QR100. For details, artists that combines art and engaged actions All these events are free. Detailed call 44853000. Qatar Superstock 600 Championship through large-scale outdoor installations, fi lms, programming is available on the website of Round 3 photographs and videos, using the streetscape the French Institute of Qatar at the following Reggae Beachfest Doha WHERE: Losail International Circuit as his canvas and his inspiration, which he address: www.institutfrancais-qatar.com WHEN: Thursdays and Fridays TIME: 10am claims as the largest art gallery in the world. WHERE: Oyster Beach Bar at St. Regis Hotel WHEN: March 23, 24 and 25 JR creates “Pervasive Art” that spreads Off -road biking tour TIME: 8pm onwards Qatar SuperStock 600 is a new road racing uninvited on the buildings and slums around WHERE: Zekreet In collaboration with Reggae Beachfest in championship organised by Qatar Motor Paris, on the walls in the Middle East, on the WHEN: Fridays Dubai, Qatar will witness the best rasta nights Motorcycle Federation and Losail Circuit Sports broken bridges in Africa or the favelas in Brazil. Blue Pearl Experience Qatar is off ering the around. The organisers say, “We’ve got the Club. He remains anonymous and doesn’t explain country’s fi rst off -road biking tour. Ride in the setup sorted to get you feeling the Caribbean The championship will have 12 races over 6 his work, allowing the subjects, protagonists, desert on a fatbike to explore the local fl ora and vibe. Along with our resident band Earthkry rounds at the Losail International Circuit. spectators and passers-by to raise their own fauna, spot desert wildlife, hike up jebels, chill all the way from Jamaica, we have so many big The riders are competing using one-make questions. in the magic of the Richard Serra statues and names in the Reggae scene lined up at this huge bikes that will be used for the rest of the season, The exhibition will feature some of the key this unique landscape. beachfest!” Entrance fee is QR50 at the door. a stocked 600cc bike. The organisers bill it as series that have made the artist famous around Participants will get to cross the desert riding For more information, please call 44460105 “a great chance for every competitor to test the world as well as a video lounge where fatbikes from Zekreet to the Richard Serra themselves and fi ght for the title in fair racing selected video works can be viewed. statues, on a route of approximately 13kms. The Senorita-Ladies Night conditions and in a professional environment”. route is easy to ride and suitable for people with WHERE: The Club at St. Regis Grandstand and Paddock area are open for average fi tness. You must be able to ride. Kids WHEN: Tuesdays free to all the spectators. aged 9 and older are also welcome. The fee is TIME: 7pm QR220 (QR190 for ages 9-14) and includes bike The Club at St. Regis promises the ‘fi nest Al Gannas and safety equipment. The activity lasts about weeknight in town with Cuban and Latin (For school students) 2.5 hours. rhythms’. The event starts at 7pm. The dress Until March 31, 2017 For details and booking, please visit code is “strictly fabulous-Latin vibe” and there 9am–Noon the company website on http://www. are no entrance fees. For more information, Al Gannas Society clubbluepearl.com/news-feed/ please call 4446-0105. Free ( For boys only, requires registration) Al Gannas association is participating in Imperial Threads: Motifs and artisans Dia al-Azzawi: A Retrospective (from the “Our culture is a school” programme, by from Turkey, Iran and India 1963 until tomorrow) organising many activities for the students WHERE: Museum of Islamic Art WHERE: Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern every Monday and Wednesday of the week. Francophonie Days in Qatar WHEN: March 15 to November 4 Art and QM Gallery Al Riwaq These activities include explanations on WHEN: March 14 to March 31 This exhibition will focus on the exchange WHEN: Until April 16 hunting and related items tools, kinds of falcons WHERE: Around Qatar of artistic and material cultures between Qatar Museums presents a monograph of and preys, in addition to workshop on how to The Embassy of France in Qatar and the the Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal Empires. one of the most renowned modern artists of carry a falcon, set a traditional tent (made of Institut Français du Qatar are celebrating the Highlighting MIA’s masterpiece carpets, among the Arab world: Dia al-Azzawi. The exhibition, goat & camel hair), prepare traditional Arabic Francophonie Days in Qatar from March 14 to other artworks, from Turkey, Iran and India, showcasing over 500 works across fi fty years coff ee and start a fi re. For further details, visit March 31. these objects will be contextualised within the and a range of media, aims at mapping an katara.net

E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Sunday, March 12, 2017 COMMUNITY COVER STORY “The world moved more quickly than I thought” — MohsinMohsin HHamid,amid, aauthoruthor

I felt that people like me that were kind of hybridised people — part British, part Pakistani, part American, all mashed together

SUNDAY CONVERSATION

By Corbie Hill

ohsin Hamid didn’t think he was predicting President Donald Trump’s election or the Brexit vote when he fi nished his latest book, Exit West. “To be very honest, if you’d asked me when I handed in the draft of my novel, which was Mlast March, would Britain vote to leave the European Union in the Brexit vote and would Trump be the President of the United States, I would have said no to both and I would have been pretty confi dent about my answers,” he says. “I was just as wrong as lots of other people.” Granted, the Pakistani author perceived at the time that

REALITY BYTE: “Even if you never move from your hometown, you migrate through time,” says the celebrated author. Sunday, March 12, 2017 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY

Exit West zeroes in on the lives of two refugees, who flee a war zone through a magical door that transports them to a seemingly random endpoint thousands of miles away. The author even leaves it to the reader’s imagination which city and country they are fleeing

nanativismtivismm wwasa on the rise, and that Hamid says. “The Gruff alo is just a it sort of depends on there being a like The Last Starfi ghter, literature lost that trust now, he says. He xexenophobianophhobia and anger toward Gruff alo … Fantastic Mr. Fox is just world where we are allowed to mix and culture are rich with stories points to the February 6 detention mimigrantsgrannts wwere building. He just the fox. I wanted, once you move and combine in interesting new of people who travel away from and interrogation of Australian dididn’tdn’t kknowno these phenomena, slightly away from these two main ways,” he says. their native soil to become heroes, children’s author Mem Fox at Los whwhichich araree thematic to Exit West, characters, for the book to open Hamid points out. Yet if the person Angeles International Airport as an wowoulduld fefeaturea so prominently in up and become a bit less detailed, THE POWER OF FICTION in that situation has dark skin — example of the US border policy’s glglobalobaal ppoliticso by the book’s release. and let you fi ll in from your own Hamid was born in Lahore, say, a complexion like Hamid’s shift. (Fox, 70, has said she was He tthoughthhou there was more time. experience what you think is going Pakistan, where he lives today, but – they’re less likely in the Western detained for almost two hours, “T“TheThe world moved more quickly on.” he lived in California from age 3 to imagination to leave home and save insulted and questioned by border ththanann I tthought,” he says. Having migrated multiple times, 9. When his family moved back to the universe, he notes. So in Exit agents about her visa.) EExExitit West zeroes in on the lives Hamid wanted to write about Pakistan, he couldn’t speak a word West, Hamid has his heroes pass “It’s so hard in this moment off ttwowo refugees, Saeed and Nadia, the universality of migration. It’s of Urdu. Though a Pakistani citizen, through their own wardrobe-like for us to imagine a future that we whwhoo fl ee a war zone through a natural, and everyone does it. he felt like a California kid moving portal and travel far from home, actually want and we think can mmamagicalgic door that transports them Even if you never move from your to a foreign country. Nine years where they must navigate refugee happen,” Hamid says, meaning to a sseemingly random endpoint hometown, he off ers, you migrate later, when he returned to the US, camps and avoid violence against globally. When people can’t ththousandsou of miles away. They are through time. Yet human migration he was much more Pakistani, so he immigrants. articulate a realistic future they the oonly two named characters is complicated by anti-immigration experienced it in reverse. Hamid believes in the power of would want to live in, he says, they in ttheh novel, too; the author even and nativist attitudes in the US He describes the experience in fi ction, especially in hard times. become depressed. Some of them leleavesav it to the reader’s imagination and in Britain, he says, by people terms of C S Lewis’ The Lion, the He’s been in a funk, stuck in a even start listening to xenophobes, whwhich city and country they’re obsessed with notions of purity Witch and the Wardrobe, which he sustained low-grade depression zealots and demagogues. fl eeing,e as neither are named. and with the idea of so-called real read shortly after leaving California since the elections in England and “That’s why I think one By naming only his two main Americans or real Brits. This is not for Pakistan. the US, he admits. And even though important thing is to start chcharacters, Hamid purposefully a uniquely Western phenomenon, “The kids go through this Pakistan is not one of the majority- imagining futures that have hope hhumanised the refugees, casting he says, noting that it happens in wardrobe and they arrive in the Muslim countries on Trump’s in them,” Hamid says. “That’s tthem as heroes. He wanted to leave Pakistan, too. Yet nationalistic magical land of Narnia,” Hamid travel ban, Hamid is still concerned something that fi ction can do — the world around them vague and philosophies are incongruous with says. “That didn’t strike me as about how he’ll be treated at the US not just science-fi ction or utopian impressionistic. Hamid’s experience as a global strange at all. To go through a border. fi ction, but fi ction that looks at the “In children’s books and fables, person. wardrobe and come to a strange He was subjected to regular human condition and projects it a very often, the characters almost “I felt that people like me that and magical country was not security screenings after the little bit forward and says, ‘Things become not exactly archetypes, were kind of hybridised people — that diff erent from what I’d done September 11 attacks, but he always will change. They might even but they become something the part British, part Pakistani, part moving from America to Pakistan.” trusted that because he had nothing change drastically, but there is a reader can put their imagination American, all mashed together From the Chronicles of Narnia to hide and he was not a threat, reason to be hopeful.’ ” —The News into and animate for themselves,” — the existence of people like me, books to Superman comics to fi lms he would ultimately be fi ne. He’s & Observer (Raleigh, N.C.)/TNS

Having migrated multiple times, Hamid wanted to write about the universality of migration. Human migration is complicated by anti-immigration and nativist attitudes in the US and in Britain, he says, by people obsessed with notions of purity and with the idea of so-called real Americans or real Brits 6 GULF TIMES Sunday, March 12, 2017 COMMUNITY

Nepali team wins second match in ACFT 2017

The Nepali community football team has secured its second win in the ongoing fifth Asian Community Football Tournament (ACFT) 2017. They beat the Malaysian team 2-1. The Nepali team was the first to score at the 38th minute mark. The Malaysian team equalised in the 51st minute, before conceding a second goal in the 61st minute. The match was attended by hundreds of Nepali fans, as well as the Nepal National Rugby Team, in Qatar to participate in another competition. The Nepali Football Team (NFT) was formed in 2003 to encourage team- based participation of migrant workers in Asian Community Football Tournament. According to NFT president Sanjeev Ranabhat, the Asian Community Football Tournament, started in 2013, is the only platform for the team to showcase its talent. In 2016, the Nepali team made it to the final and is hoping for a better result this year.

Text and photos by Usha Wagle Gautam

New York Fries opens in Qatar

Alawael Investment Group, the master franchisee for Fries Middle East, has announced hydrogenated sunflower oil), Butter Chicken Fries (traditional Indian inspired butter masala with the recent opening of its first location in Qatar. On Wednesday, March 8, the store opened in the creamy tomato sauce), Imli Fries (pure vegetarian, a refreshing sweet, sour taste with a slightly Mall of Qatar. This is the 165th New York Fries location for the Canadian franchise and the 34th fruity aroma), Chili Beef or Chicken Fries (Hearty beef or chicken chili topped with cheese sauce, location for Master Franchisee for the MENA Region Alawael Investment Group. and fresh green onions), Nacho Fries (Fresh, vegetarian alternative with cheese and Mexican salsa, The Qatar location is owned and operated by New York Restaurant Management, a subsidiary traditional labneh, fresh green onions and tomatoes), Bacon Double Cheese (With beef bacon of Secret Hos-pitality Management. Plans are also underway to open a second branch in Qatar bits and signature cheese and cheddar, and fresh spring onions), and premium chicken and beef location in 2018. hot dogs. The store is located in the food court of the Mall of Qatar in unit No. 56 in Street 373 Al New York Fries’ Qatar menu features Classic Fries (Hand cut, skins on, cooked to order in non- Rayyan, Qatar. Sunday, March 12, 2017 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY Nepali Koch celebrate Maha Shivaratri festival

The Non-Resident Nepalese Koch Society (NRNKS) recently organised a musical programme to caricatured popular Nepali TV comedian Jeetu Nepal and Bhojpuri actor Khesari Lal. Singer Keshav mark the Nepali festival of Maha Shivaratri at Al Dosari Zoo and Game Reserve. Rajbanshi performed Bhojpuri and Maithili songs. Popular musician and singer Balram Rajbanshi The programme was chaired by NRNKS president Prabin Rajbanshi, and community leader Bishnu performed four songs in both Nepali and Rajbanshi languages. Performing for the first time abroad, Karki was the chief guest. The programme featured a performance of singer and musician Balram Rajbanshi said he didn’t find any diff erence in the audience. “It is a historic day for me,” Rajbanshi Rajbanshi among other artistes. NRNKS is an umbrella organisation of the Qatar-based Nepalis said. Bal Bahadur Rajbanshi performed five songs in Rajbanshi language. This was the first Nepali from Koch-Rajbanshi. programme in Qatar that featured performances in Rajbanshi, a minority language. Nepalese Care Creature – a Doha-based musical group – were the first to perform, mimicking the chirping of diff erent birds through their musical instruments. Comedian Patharu Rajbanshi Text and photos by Usha Wagle Gautam

Quantum attends Metro Rail India Summit

uantum Executive Metro Rail in India. Quantum, such as Metro Rail, which provides Director Matthew through its participation, aimed to an opportunity not only to network Schofi eld and gain fi rst-hand experience on how with key industry leaders, but also Associate Director India is pushing the boundaries in to listen and learn on how India Natalie Findlay Metro Rail projects. delivers its projects. It is important Qrecently attended the Matthew Schofi eld stated, for Quantum to participate in 6th Metro Rail India Summit 2017, “India’s metro system is sharing knowledge, promoting which took place in New Delhi, currently undergoing a massive engagement with others and India. transformation with a revolution in building strong relationships in Quantum also sponsored the urban transportation expanding the diff erent cultures and diverse event as the Consulting Partner, existing metro infrastructure and communities. Quantum partners which provided an opportunity constructing new metros within with their clients promoting for the company to understand the 50 cities in India. The Indian rail dispute avoidance and positive numerous ongoing metro projects system covers over 63,000 km working relationships allowing in India, with key presentations of track with over 14,300 trains projects to be completed on time Matthew Schofield and Natalie Findlay at Metro Rail, New Delhi. on the role of innovation and covering a distance of 3½ times avoiding protracted disputes,” technology in Indian metro to the moon each day. This truly noted Natalie Findlay. consultancies dedicated to serving Metro Rail India Summit is systems, how India are planning emphasises the importance of rail During the visit, the Quantum the interests of the international India’s premier forum to address and preparing for a better future to India’s developing economy team held meetings with a number construction and engineering the issues related to the further and solutions for sustainable and the tremendous growth and of the key Metro Rail contractors industries. In addition to regular development of metro rail in India. development of Metro Rail in India. development – certainly the place and clients to discuss areas of industry presentations, Quantum The event, now in its 6th year, has The event was India’s premier to be.” future mutual cooperation. is also actively involved in the grown signifi cantly year on year forum to address the issues related “Quantum is strongly committed Quantum is acknowledged as presentation of training courses and attracts senior-level attendees to the further development of in participating in major events one of the leading management and mentoring programmes. from across India. 8 GULF TIMES Sunday, March 12, 2017 COMMUNITY Belgian Chocolate Festival at The Torch he Torch Doha and the embassy generation of Belgian chocolate makers. the best in the world as connoisseurs often retail products, several companies have now of Belgium in Qatar teamed up He studied history while taking evening say. While the raw materials do not originate opened shops and even tearooms all over to organise a Belgian Chocolate classes on chocolate making. After a long from Belgium, the country has developed Doha. Several of them were represented at the Festival with the participation of trip to China, he returned to Belgium and over the years an unbeatable savoir-faire for opening event to present their products. Belgian celebrity chef chocolatier started experimenting with new fl avours the pleasure of our tasting buds. Using only GM Sabry stated, “We are delighted to host LaurentT Gerbaud. The event took place in the and ingredients, like spices, exotic fruits and top quality ingredients – in particular pure such an event. It was greatly anticipated and Sky Lounge of The Torch Doha from March sugar substitutes. His journey to China is also cocoa butter – Belgian chocolate is associated through the valuable collaboration with the 8 to 11. refl ected in his logo and beautiful packaging with high-quality gourmet specialities. Embassy of Belgium, we have organised a Chocolate lovers got a chance to participate – a red seal depicting the word “chocolate” in With more than 500 chocolatiers and festival which will entertain and educate our in “Making and Tasting Workshops” on Chinese. above 2,000 chocolate shops, Belgium guests equally”. March 9, 10 and 11. They learnt how to make The festival was launched on March 8 produces almost 220,000 tons of chocolate Ambassador Payot said, “Such an event make their own chocolate and also about the by Belgian ambassador Christophe Payot every year, most of it for export. Brussels has been requested by many in Doha. I am nuances of the diff erent varieties. and Sherif Sabry, General Manager of The airport is the world’s biggest shop, with over therefore pleased that we could launch such Laurent Gerbaud is one of the best Torch Doha, in the presence of Belgian chef 800 tonnes sold annually. a festival to celebrate Belgian chocolate by chocolate makers in Brussels whose creations chocolatier Laurent Gerbaud. Many Belgian chocolate brands are giving an opportunity to the chocolate-lovers are a must-try. He belongs to the new Belgium is quite famous for its chocolate; available on the Qatari market. Beyond in Qatar to learn.”

The event took place in the Sky Lounge of The Torch Doha from March 8 to 11.

ICAI Doha Chapter elects new Managing Committee

Doha Chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) elected its new Managing being conferred with Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award by Indian President Pranab Mukherjee. Committee for 2017 at its recent 35th Annual General Meeting. More than 100 members attended Former chairman MI Farid honoured Dr R Seetharaman on behalf of the Chapter. the meeting at Crowne Plaza hotel. Dr Seetharaman, in his acceptance speech, said that the Chartered Accountancy course has Gaurav Kakkar, was elected as the Chairman. He was earlier the vice chairman of the chapter in equipped him to overcome many challenges and the things he learnt have been instrumental in 2015-2016. The other members of the new Executive Committee are Rupalakshmi K Setty as Vice all his accomplishments. He also shed light on the global economic scenarios and on how India Chairperson, Rukkaiya Pachisa as Secretary, Sandeep Chowdhary as Treasurer, and Nirlep Bhatt, is amongst the most promising destinations for investments based on various macro-economic Jithu Koshy, Abdul Nassar and Ankit Agarwal as members of the committee. factors. The Chapter also held a seminar on the use of excel in financial modelling. Vivek Kapoor, Outgoing Chairman Raja Gopalakrishnan presented the Chapter’s report for the year 2015-2016. the speaker, enlightened the audience on tools and techniques within Microsoft Excel and how Incoming Chairman Gaurav Kakkar introduced the new Executive Committee and assured the they can be used eff ectively for complex financial modelling in a structured manner. members of an “exciting year ahead filled with professional and social events.” Members of the ICAI working in Qatar desirous of seeking membership of the Chapter may Dr R Seetharaman, Doha Bank CEO and one of the icons of the profession, was also felicitated for contact Gaurav Kakkar at 66094714 or Rupalakshmi K Setty at 70131446. Sunday, March 12, 2017 GULF TIMES 9 COMMUNITY

Scenes from the production’s rehearsals. ASD students bring to life ‘Into the Woods Jr.’

o to the woods and bring me back, One: the cow as white as milk, Two: the cape as red as blood, Three: the hair as yellow as corn, Four: the slipper as pure “Gas gold”. And so it begins. A fairy tale within a fairy tale. Wait, not within a fairy tale, within four of them! “Into the Woods Jr.”, this year’s American School of Doha’s Middle School production, is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine recounts four familiar childhood fairy tales woven together by a baker, his wife, and a witch who of course happens to be evil, although in all fairness, it’s partly because the baker takes her magic beans! As it turns out, this witch needs the aforementioned articles in order to lift a certain curse that has left the baker’s wife barren, and so the hunt for these items begin. These characters cross paths with Jack of “Jack and the Beanstalk” fame, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel and Cinderella. First brought to stage in 1986 at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego, California, the story warns about not only being careful what you wish for, but also to be happy with what you wish for. With more death and destruction than a Jason Bourne fi lm, the climax of the full-length show is more “Grimm” than “Happily Ever After”. However, not to worry; no spoiler alert here, as director Jen Loría wisely chooses to close with the more uplifting Act One that is just as satisfying, (and less scarring to younger audiences). There is, however, a plot twist. The show is double cast: Two Cinderellas, two Jacks, four ugly stepsisters! Depending on the particular performance, you will either be delighted by the West End cast or the Broadway cast. The only exception being Milky White, Jack’s cow, who Hala Haidar brings to life with truly magical puppetry skills in all performances. It doesn’t really matter which cast you see as the Perfect Storm that is choreographer Geoff Heney, musical director Melissa Scott, and Jen Loría have teamed up to make each and every one of these fairy tale legends truly legendary. Tickets are available at the American School of Doha and please email [email protected] for event information. 10 GULF TIMES Sunday, March 12, 2017 COMMUNITY

DESS attends British Schools in the Middle East Games 2017

A total of 33 DESS students left Doha last Wednesday to compete in the British Schools in the Middle East Games (BSME) 2017 in Dubai. The competitions include swimming, football, netball and athletics. Twelve schools competed in the games that were hosted by Horizon English School. The event is the pinnacle of the sporting calendar at DESS. The kit for the school team was sponsored by Jacobs and Clyde & Co.

MOTORING The new 812 Superfast stars on the Ferrari stand errari kicks off its 70th anniversary in terms of performance. The introduction of with the world premiere of its the Virtual Short Wheelbase 2.0 system (PCV) most powerful production car combines the electric front-wheel steering yet, the 800-cv 812 Superfast. assistance with the mechanical concept The unveiling of this fl agship based on tyre dimensions and the rear-wheel V12F berlinetta is particularly signifi cant, as steering. All integrated with the vehicle Ferrari’s noble V12 heritage has its roots in dynamics control systems, based on Version the founding of the company, 70 years ago 5.0 of the SSC, with the aim of improving the this year, and Ferrari remains to this day the agility and response time to steering wheel only manufacturer to have continuously inputs. produced sports cars with 12-cylinder engines The two examples of the 812 Superfast throughout that time. on display feature new colours: the special Powered by a new 6.5-litre V12, the celebratory Rosso 70 Anni and Grigio Caldo 812 Superfast is the benchmark in the Opaco. The new car is joined on the stand in mid-front-engined sports car segment, Geneva by the California T, fi nished in Bianco achieving its maximum power output Italia, the 488 GTB in Giallo Tristrato, the at 8,500rpm, which ensures the kind of 488 Spider in classic Rosso Corsa, and the thrilling top-end performance that is the GTC4Lusso in Nero Stellato. exclusive characteristic of Ferrari’s V12s. There is also a further example of Ferrari’s Maximum torque is 718 Nm @ 7,000rpm, a exclusive liveries developed to celebrate the signifi cant 80% of which is already available 70th Anniversary, one of the 70 diff erent at 3,500rpm, improving driveability and pick- Tailor Made off erings inspired by iconic cars up at low revs. in the company’s history that are available on The 812 Superfast is striking for both its each of the fi ve models in the range. The 488 highly innovative design and aero package, as GTB on show is fi nished in Rosso Corsa with a well as its unparalleled handling. It is the fi rst Blu Laguna and Giallo Modena livery inspired Ferrari to introduce Electric Power Steering by the 290 MM driven by Juan Manuel Fangio (EPS) which, in line with Ferrari tradition, is in the 1956 Mille Miglia, which saw Ferraris used to fully exploit the potential of the car take the top four places. The 812 Superfast. Sunday, March 12, 2017 GULF TIMES 11 INFOGRAPHIC COMMUNITY 12 GULF TIMES Sunday, March 12, 2017 COMMUNITY PUZZLES/CARTOONS

Wordsearch Adam

Pooch Cafe Microsoft Offi ce

ACCESS GRAPHICS SUITE BASIC HELP TABLE CHART LIST TEMPLATE DATABASE MAIL TEXT DATASHEET OUTLOOK WINDOWS DOCUMENT POWERPOINT WIZARD EXCEL SCREEN WORD FORMS SPREADSHEET WORKSHEET

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. Sunday, March 12, 2017 GULF TIMES 13 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Super Cryptic Clues Colouring

ACROSS DOWN 1. Festoon with medals? (8) 1. Come to the conclusion the 5. Whispers ‘Like the date?’ (6) key was cut the wrong way 10. In which dictation is given? round (6) (10,5) 2. Call on one to recover one’s 11. Reads out about the Italian senses (4,5) who causes the accident (7) 3. He’s down-to-earth, it’s true, 12. Are demolishing the at first (7) breeding-place and that’s 4. Secures a figure for mid serious (7) seasons (5) 13. How many injuries the 6. Many leaves are torn right mathematician sustained? through (7) (8) 7. Hit a shot and get a run (5) 15. A cryptic clue about the right 8. Is set out filled with little gifts to have money (5) for the children (8) 18. In addition, getting free 9. Profit from the attention (8) returns (5) 14. They produce food: the 20. What the forerunner will do, workers and tillers of the the beast! (8) soil.... (8) Answers 23. She and Silas followed me 16. .... and this is a sign that the out (7) island has tillage (9) Wordsearch Codeword 25. Order the wife to swallow a 17. The faces are stern and the sedative (7) case is packed (8) 26. Nothing dry yet? It’s no good 19. Decide always to go back at all! (8,4-3) when the sun goes in (7) 27. Separate at sun-down (6) 21. Finds in the dictionary it 28. Reaction to the person’s means ‘improves’ (5,2) broken English (8) 22. Determine to get a seat (6) 24. The man, when the doctor came in, had a jaundiced colour (5) 25. A curve, that is, on a knife (5)

Yesterday’s Solutions

Across: 1 Cuts down; 5 Down: 1 Castle; 2 Thrash; 3 Stumer; 9 Stricken; 10 Macaws; Decline; 4 Weed; 6 Transit; 12 Lassie; 13 Falsetto; 15 7 Meantime; 8 Response; 11 Betweentimes; 18 Illicit still; 23 Parents; 14 Twitter; 16 Disrobed; Recorder; 24 Career; 26 Broker; 17 Black out; 19 Carpets; 20 27 Spins out; 28 Detest; 29 Learner; 21 Recoil; 22 Grated; 25 Startled. Spot. 14 GULF TIMES Sunday, March 12, 2017 COMMUNITY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE 3 backyard projects you can tackle in a weekend our backyard could be the perfect ground to solidify and build that foundation. rent one. Once your strips are cut, butt the place to bask in the sun, entertain If you do not have the tools you need to ends together and apply wood glue at the friends or indulge in your hobbies. successfully make concrete, you can always joints to secure the fi t. Drill a screw into each It just needs a little sprucing up, rent them to eliminate the need for a one- end to solidify the fi t. Next, attach the bottom and the right projects can help. time purchase. panels with glue and drill a screw through the YBest of all, many of these projects are Once the foundation is ready, apply mortar ends of the bottom panels into the sides for a quick and easy. To get you started, here are and stones around the ring. Build up the fi re more secure fi t. three projects you can accomplish in a spring pit wall with additional mortar and stones. Finish by lightly sanding any rough or weekend – and enjoy all summer long. After the pit has been built to a height of unseemly spaces on the foundations. Add your choosing, use a brush to remove excess a touch of paint or stain to improve the Forging a fi re pit mortar from the inside. You may also spray planter’s appearance and off er long-term Once the shed is clean and dry, apply an Whether it’s an afternoon gathering or the inside with a can of spray paint to give protection. oil-based primer, which will help protect the an evening under the stars, adding a fi re pit your pit’s interior a uniform look. building from the elements and make it easier to your backyard is a great way to make an Shedding new light on the shed to paint. enjoyable get-together last even longer. And Planning the planters If you’re going to spend more time in your Finally, it’s time to paint. A long-nap roller building one is easier than you think. If you’ve always wanted to add a pop of backyard this year, it’s time to fi nally do works well for this project, but you can also Start by marking the centre of your pit in colour to your backyard, planter boxes can be something about that old shed you’ve been rent a paint sprayer. Choose a colour to your the ground. Spray a circle around the centre, just the ticket. They are relatively simple to ignoring for years. Fortunately, something as liking and be sure to select a paint designed outlining your pit’s desired circumference build yourself. small as a new coat of paint can have a large for outdoor projects. – say 5 feet. Dig this space to a depth of 6 Start by choosing a wood, like cedar, for impact on your shed’s appearance. Each of these three projects can be tackled inches. In your newfound pit, make a similar your project. Cut four strips with two half Before applying a drop of paint, inspect the in a single weekend, and each can have a circle 12 inches in from your outer circle to the length of your other two, but sharing shed to be sure no structural maintenance lasting eff ect on your outdoor space. So, make the inner wall of your pit. the same height. These strips will form the is needed. Then it’s time to clean it. Rent a what are you waiting for? Get started on your Fill this area with small stones to serve as foundation of your rectangular planter. If you pressure washer for a quick clean that will outdoor DIY project today. the foundation, and lay wet concrete on the lack a saw to cut them with, you can always free the building of dirt, debris and cobwebs. ©Brandpoint

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

Today’s Full Moon in your sixth house of hard work, health and well- The Full Moon in Virgo is a wonderful placement for you, as it lights A Full Moon shining on your fourth house of home and family makes being makes this the perfect time for you to rethink the way you eat, up your fifth house of romance and fun. If you don’t feel you’re not this the perfect time for you to do some much needed renovations exercise and treat your temple...your body. having enough fun, what can you do to amp up the fun factor? around the house or make the decision to uproot and move somewhere else.

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

A Full Moon in Virgo today shines its light on your communication In your second house of money and self-esteem today’s Full Moon Your once a year Full Moon shines on your first house of ego and and conversation zone. What is it that you need to say to someone is urging you to get your finances in order. You like spending money, personality today. How are you feeling about YOU and what you put and what knowledge do you need to impart to someone else? don’t you? It’s simply a matter of knowing when to stop! out into the world at large?

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

Your once a year Full Moon shines on your first house of ego and Today’s Full Moon shines on your eleventh house of hopes, wishes In your career and reputation zone, today’s Full Moon is just personality today. How are you feeling about YOU and what you put and friendship. Who is your most diff icult, challenging friend or the boost you need to complete projects and tie up loose ends out into the world at large? friends? Who makes it diff icult for you to relax around them? Lots to professionally. You should focus on all those boring things you really think about today. haven’t felt like doing too this week.

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

A Full Moon in Virgo, your fellow earth sign and your ninth house of Don’t let someone talk you out of doing something you really want A Full Moon in your one on one relationship zone today is just the overseas travel, spirituality and higher education opens your mind to do today. If you have a good feeling about it, then listen to your thing needed to sort out who’s friend and who’s less friend and more to the possibilities that lie ahead for you in 2017. gut instinct. frenemy, Pisces. Sunday, March 12, 2017 GULF TIMES 15 SHOWBIZ COMMUNITY

his frequent on-screen partner, Talk to me about your facial Will Ferrell. hair. Some excerpts from our That’s pretty much me! There conversation: were a couple of scenes where they added to it, to make it really long, As a South Side Chicagoan but for the most part it’s me. and famous White Sox fan, how could you stomach all that Cubs Do you fi nd a lot of big action love in the movie? movies … It was hard, I have to say (laughs). Boring? (laughs). Yeah, I fi nd When we fi lmed we didn’t know a lot of big action movies these which way it was gonna go at that days a little bit boring, some of the point with the World Series. I was superhero movies, anyway, because so happy for them, though. The of the lack of humour. They’re so way they hung in there, after all deadly serious, it gets dull after a those games. … Even for a Sox fan, while. I really love how our director, it was good day for Chicago. It was Jordan Vogt-Roberts, allowed us all fun to have that in the movie. My to react to these absurd situations in character’s essentially a love letter an honest way. to Chicago, reminiscing about Wrigley Field, just trying to get Favourite monster movie as home again. a kid? The fi rst monster movie I Tell me what you’ve learned remember seeing was Jaws, over the years, with green- although that was a smaller screen and other visual monster. I wouldn’t say it was my eff ects, about acting in front of favourite, ‘cause it kept me out of something that is not there. swimming pools for about 10 years. My character doesn’t do too … I did see the Jessica Lange/Jeff much one-on-one interaction Bridges King Kong in the theatres with the stuff, the monsters, in when it came out. That was a super the movie. We’re running from big event movie when I was a kid. I stuff. Trying to escape from remember that giant hand opening. ACTION: John C Reilly as Hank Marlow in the film Kong: Skull Island. things, you know. Fighting stuff off. But people make a big deal In the new Kong I’d say the out of how it’s hard to do that balance between funny and without anything there. The serious is just about right. As truth is, it takes you straight back is the degree of violence. So to your childhood. You’re out many moviemakers, whatever there playing make-believe with kind of fantasy they’re making, Q &A with Kong your friends, and there’s nothing settle for simply amping up “there” there, either. When you’re the violence, making it more a kid, you’re just trying to make realistic and explicit. it all seem real and fun. It’s pretty Yeah. I’m no glutton for dazzling, the creatures effects, in punishment in that way myself, this movie. So many films these either. There’s violence in the movie, days move the technology bar just but it has an impact emotionally. star John Reilly a little bit. And here, the emotion … I’m really glad when any movie they got into King Kong was really I do succeeds. And this one felt South Pacifi c island. He fi nds Skull Island. There, Kong is king, impressive. like, well … from the outside, Kong By Michael Phillips plenty of company there. The and life for the last of his species is a looks like this massive, fantastical fi lm mostly takes place in 1973, as series of battles to the death. I sensed the movie was going thing. But when we were making it, the war in Vietnam hobbles to a I spoke to Reilly, whose character right from the moment Kong’s it was just me and bunch of great n Kong: Skull Island, which close. Various civilian and military waxes nostalgic about Wrigley Field paw — boooooom — hits the actors running around the jungle. is a ton of fun, John C. Reilly adventurers played by Brie Larson, and his beloved Cubbies, while top of the cliff . A very shrewd And when you have talented people steals the human part of the Tom Hiddleston, John Goodman the Chicago native was in London character introduction. guiding the project after the fact, show in the role of Hank and Samuel L. Jackson, some in shooting a Laurel and Hardy You see Kong early and often sometimes you get lucky. I’ve been Marlow. He’s a World War II the dark, others hip to the reasons biopic opposite Steve Coogan. in this one. The movie’s a little lucky. And for better or worse, my pilotI who, in the fi lm’s prologue, they’re going, mount an expedition Reilly recently wrapped a Sherlock bit subversive that way; it upends career’s been nothing but variety. — crash-lands on an uncharted to the fog-enshrouded wonder of Holmes movie there as well, with expectations as it goes along. Chicago Tribune/TNS Badrinath Ki Dulhania: Frothy and cliched Dhawan), a typical small town dude from Rituraj is a powerful actor but as By Troy Ribeiro Jhansi, who itches to get married soon. It is Amarnath Bansal, Badrinath’s father, during his friend’s wedding in Kota that he he is a misfit. Swanand Kirkire as Vaidehi’s spots Vaidehi Trivedi (Alia Bhatt), a bright, father, Shweta Basu Prasad and Yash Sinha CAST: Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt, Shweta spirited and ambitious girl and sets his heart as Badrinath’s sister-in-law and Basu Prasad, Rituraj Singh, Sahil Vaid, Yash on her. brother have their moments of on screen Sinha, Aakanksha Singh, Gauhar Khan How he woos her, forms the crux of the glory. RATING: **1/2 tale. Sahil Vaid as Badrinath’s friend Somdev What keeps you hooked is Varun’s is delightfully impressive. Gauahar Khan as quick-fi x, from the stables of buff oonish yet lovable character and with Police Sargeant Laxmi Shankar is wasted in Dharma Productions, director his charismatic and endearing performance, a miniscule role. Shashank Khaitan’s Badrinath Ki he portrays it with panache. He is aptly One of the film’s problems is that the Dulhania is a typically cliched, supported by Alia, who is eff ortless and plot never gathers enough momentum, frothy rom-com, which exploits convincing. emotional or narrative, to involve the Athe sheer charm of its stars. Together, they have the sort of chemistry audience. With several amusing and A lot happens and it happens charmingly that might make any dialogue work, and it compelling episodes the film seems forced, with such quick spirit and wit, that it’s certainly works in this story about a typical predictable and yet entertaining. enough to put you off rom-coms for a while. Indian guy who is bogged down by his Mounted on a grand scale, the songs are The fi lm is not bad, but with no novelty overbearing father and an ambitious girl, till peppy and even soulful. They complement factor. This is just a case of the law of the boy fi nds courage to fi nally come right out the narrative, but not organically. diminishing marginal utility. and oppose his father. This sort of chemistry is Overall, the film is visually appealing, A TAME AFFAIR: Alia Bhatt, left, and Varun The story involves Badrinath Bansal (Varun not always inevitable, but it works well here. glossy and vibrant. — IANS Dhawan in a scene from the film. 16 GULF TIMES Sunday, March 12, 2017 COMMUNITY For the love of languages Milena Savova, Director of the Language Center at the Translation and Interpreting Institute, talks about the role the institute plays in Doha’s multi-cultural society

The Translation and Interpreting Institute.

Week and we hosted 16 ambassadors how to tell people our story, how to me – small but quite a revolutionary of countries whose languages communicate with them. In Chinese, concept in Bulgaria in those days – to we teach to give our students an I am told, there is a similarity in buy a Russian book because I was opportunity to practice the languages the characters for “challenge” and curious about the language. Another with native speakers of a very high “opportunity”. The opportunities thing I always did while learning calibre and learn more about their we have are to constantly re-think languages was to try and think in a countries and cultures. Both sides and re-evaluate the way we teach given language when by myself. I am engaged in very interesting and and maintain the highest possible sure that it helped me learn faster and substantive discussions on topics standards. become more fl uent. Whatever I was from food and clothing to geopolitics thinking about – mundane, everyday and embassy life. We are pleased How would you describe your chores – I would do it in the language that we have a growing number of love for languages? How many instead of in Bulgarian. Whenever I Qataris in our classes: last fall, they languages do you speak? stumbled for lack of words I would comprised 40 per cent of our student I have never regretted working look them up. It’s a good brain game Milena Savova body, the highest ever. with languages. I just wish I knew too. more of them. My native language multi-lingual population that is With TII currently off ering is Bulgarian and I started speaking In what ways, do you feel, By Anand Holla ready to tackle the challenges of the training seven languages French at home when I was very learning new languages enrich 21st century. Adults are a special namely Arabic, French, little. Later on, I had a teacher who our lives? group when it comes to foreign Mandarin Chinese, Spanish had an old-fashioned approach There’s already undisputed fter spending nearly language instruction. They are very and Portuguese, and courses based on grammar and that research that language learning in 20 years as director motivated and each of them has a in Italian and Germany to start traumatised me. My second language adults can prevent or slow down the of the now defunct specifi c reason for learning a given soon, what are the biggest is English followed by Danish. I had development of Alzheimer’s and Department of Foreign language. Usually, those reasons challenges that you would have a scholarship to study in Denmark other brain disorders. But before we Languages, Translation range from professional – being on to overcome? and I learned the language quite well. get to the issue of ageing, with every Aand Interpreting at New York a multi-national working group or Even though we consider After I came back to Sofi a University, language one opens a new door to University’s School of Professional making frequent trips to a certain the Center to be one language I opened the fi rst Danish language another world. We gain new concepts Studies and clinical professor of country – to personal, such as mixed programme, each language is also programme and taught in it for a and new insights. As you well know, translation, Milena Savova took marriages, wishing to communicate a unique programme with its own few years. I also speak Russian and a we often talk about untranslatable up the mantle as Director of the with the in-laws, wishing to improve market, its own target audience. For little German. Each language I have words or phrases in certain languages Language Center at the Translation one’s job prospects, or to travel and example, French is a traditionally learned has been through a diff erent or in all languages. When you and Interpreting Institute (TII) for love of languages. What all adults dominant foreign language among methodology and within a diff erent learn that language, through those within the College of Humanities and have in common is that they have Qataris but Spanish is gaining timeframe and with diff erent untranslatables, you acquire a new Social Sciences at Hamid Bin Khalifa busy schedules and need to learn fast. popularity due to football. Italian outcomes. More time spent does not way of thinking and conceptualising University, in January last year. We, as educators, need to develop is also associated with football necessarily lead to better results. the world. Oftentimes, multilingual Community caught up with Savova curricula that address the needs of and, of course, pizza, pasta and people throw in foreign words when for a chat to know more about the adults, often placing more emphasis food, in general. The greatest draw Please tell us a little about they speak. It’s not because they are realm of language-learning. on developing students’ speaking in terms of German is university your personal relationship with too lazy to translate them but because and listening skills fi rst at least to education. Portuguese is popular languages. they have adopted a certain concept As Director of the Language give them a jumpstart and help them among Indians from Goa and Middle It’s diffi cult to say why I love as part of their worldview and the Center, what are your priorities overcome the psychological barrier. Easterners with family history in languages: whether I was born word for it best expresses what they related to meeting the objectives Brazil. Chinese is fast becoming one with it or whether it was due to want to say. My message would be of TII? Could you please elaborate of the popular languages to learn the numerous discussions we had that more people take the plunge into The Language Center has a special how the Center does this? world-wide. Last but not the least, in my family. Everyone spoke at the beautiful experience of learning a mission of teaching foreign languages The Center constantly strives to I don’t need to explain why people least one foreign language. We had foreign language and start practicing to adults. It strives to further develop increase its footprint in Doha. In wish to learn Arabic. Doha is a large French and German dictionaries from the very fi rst day, unafraid of the human potential of the people addition to teaching languages we multi-ethnic, multi-lingual city. I and encyclopaedias and whenever making mistakes. We make mistakes of Qatar. Languages play an ever host numerous events during the year strongly believe that there is a market there was a dispute we would refer even in our native languages. There’s increasing-role in broadening in which we highlight the cultures of for all the languages we teach. As for to them. I remember being about ten no time to wait till we learn “enough” people’s horizons. We are engaged the respective countries. During the challenges, I would say they are good years old when I spent my weekly before we start speaking and in helping the country develop a past week, we organised a Diplomatic ones: how to reach out to everyone, allowance which my parents gave listening.