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Home , Ek Tha Tiger, Golmaal Again, Nawab Shah (actor)

Community Community Aspire Rohan Academy Gurung, P6organises an P16 president innovative interactive of NAFEA, believes the session for parents country should encourage under the theme the use of remittances for “Secrets to Excellence.” productive activities.

Thursday, December 28, 2017 Rabia II 10, 1439 AH

DOHA 16°C—24°C TODAY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE 11 PUZZLES 12 & 13

Discovering Qatar, with a purpose Canadian expat Jeanne Bedard Brown drives volunteers to clean up coastal areas for the love of environment and sea animals. P4-5

COVER STORY 2 GULF TIMES Thursday, December 28, 2017 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

PRAYER TIME Fajr 4.56am Shorooq (sunrise) 6.17am Zuhr (noon) 11.35am Asr (afternoon) 2.33pm Maghreb (sunset) 4.54pm Isha (night) 6.24pm

USEFUL NUMBERS

Tiger Zinda Hai , and Sajjad Delfrooz in the lead, and DIRECTION: Angad Bedi, Kumud Mishra and Nawab Shah in supporting CAST: Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Anupriya Goenka roles. The fi lm is based on the 2014 abduction of Indian nurses SYNOPSIS: A sequel to the record-breaking blockbuster by ISIL. East Indian agent joins forces with Pakistani Emergency 999 Ek Tha Tiger, continues the story of two super agent Zoya to battle a ruthless militant. Worldwide Emergency Number 112 spies Tiger and Zoya eight years later. The fi lm has superstar THEATRES: The Mall, Landmark Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991 Local Directory 180 International Calls Enquires 150 Ferdinand Hamad International Airport 40106666 DIRECTION: Carlos Labor Department 44508111, 44406537 Saldanha Mowasalat Taxi 44588888 CAST: Kate Qatar Airways 44496000 McKinnon, David Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222, 44393333 Tennant, Miguel Ángel Qatar General Electricity and Silvestre Water Corporation 44845555, 44845464 SYNOPSIS: Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333 Ferdinand tells the story 44593363 of a giant bull with a Qatar Assistive Technology big heart. After being Centre 44594050 mistaken for a dangerous Qatar News Agency 44450205 beast, he is captured 44450333 and torn from his home. Q-Post – General Postal Determined to return Corporation 44464444 to his family, he rallies a misfi t team on the Humanitarian Services Offi ce ultimate adventure. (Single window facility for the repatriation of bodies) Set in Spain, Ferdinand Ministry of Interior 40253371, 40253372, proves you can’t judge a 40253369 bull by its cover. Ministry of Health 40253370, 40253364 Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365 THEATRES: The Qatar Airways 40253374 Mall, Royal Plaza

The Mall Cinema (1): Arth: The Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (3): Destination (Urdu) 3pm; Pitch Tiger Zinda Hai () 2:30pm; Perfect 3 (2D) 5:30pm; Ang Panday Ang Panday (Tagalog) 5:30pm; Ip ote Unquo (Tagalog) 7:15pm; Ip Man 3 (2D) Man 3 (2D) 8pm; Jackals (2D) 10pm; Qu te 9:30pm; Ip Man 3 (2D) 11:30pm. (2D) 5pm; The Greatest Showman Kalavadiya Pozhuthugal (Tamil) Unity is The Mall Cinema (2): Ferdinand (2D) 7pm; Bleeding Steel (2D) 9pm; 11:30pm. strength, when there is (2D) 2:15pm; JUMANJI: Welcome JUMANJI: Welcome To The Jungle Asian Town Cinema: Vimanam To The Jungle (2D) 4pm; (2D) 11pm. () 1pm; Balloon (Tamil) teamwork and collaboration, JUMANJI: Welcome To The Jungle Landmark Cinema (3): Tiger 4pm; Vimanam (Malayalam) 7pm; (2D) 6pm; Bleeding Steel (2D) Zinda Hai (Hindi) 2:30pm; Ang Vimanam (Malayalam) 10pm; wonderful things can be 8pm; Tiger Zinda Hai (Hindi) Panday (Tagalog) 5:30pm; Pitch Vimanam (Malayalam) 1am; Mca achieved. 10:15pm. Perfect 3 (2D) 7:45pm; Ip Man 3 (2D) (Telugu) 12:30pm; Tiger Zinda The Mall Cinema (3): Alaa 9:30pm; Ip Man 3 (2D) 11:15pm. Hai (Hindi) 3:15pm; Kalavadiya — Mattie Stepanek Wadaakh (Arabic) 2:15pm; Tiger Royal Plaza Cinema Palace Pozhuthugal (Tamil) 6pm; Vimanam Zinda Hai (Hindi) 3:45pm; The (1): JUMANJI: Welcome To The (Malayalam) 8:45pm; Balloon Greatest Showman (2D) 6:30pm; Jungle (2D) 2:30pm; The Greatest (Tamil) 11:45pm; Velaikkaran Tiger Zinda Hai (Hindi) 8:30pm; Showman (2D) 4:30pm; JUMANJI: (Tamil) 12:30pm; Velaikkaran Tiger Zinda Hai (Hindi) 11:15pm. Welcome To The Jungle (2D) (Tamil) 3:30pm; Velaikkaran (Tamil) Landmark Cinema (1): Crooked 6:30pm; Ang Panday (Tagalog) 6:30pm; Kalavadiya Pozhuthugal Community Editor House (2D) 2:45pm; Alaa Wadaakh 8:30pm; Tiger Zinda Hai (Hindi) (Tamil) 9:30pm; Velaikkaran Kamran Rehmat (Arabic) 5pm; Jackals (2D) 6:45pm; 10:45pm. (Tamil) 12:30am; Tiger Zinda Hai Tiger Zinda Hai (Hindi) 8:15pm; Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (2): (Hindi) 12:30pm; Tiger Zinda Hai e-mail: [email protected] Tiger Zinda Hai (Hindi) 11pm. Crooked House (2D) 2:30pm; Pitch (Hindi) 3:45pm; Tiger Zinda Hai Telephone: 44466405 Landmark Cinema (2): JUMANJI: Perfect 3 (2D) 4:30pm; Tiger Zinda (Hindi) 7pm; Tiger Zinda Hai (Hindi) Fax: 44350474 Welcome To The Jungle (2D) 3pm; Hai (Hindi) 6:30pm; Bleeding Steel 10:15pm; Tiger Zinda Hai (Hindi) JUMANJI: Welcome To The Jungle (2D) 9:15pm; Ip Man 3 (2D) 11:15pm. 1:15am. Thursday, December 28, 2017 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

African Circus will be at Hyatt Plaza food Evolution Sports logo and will be used on court area starting from 5:30pm. Bring all documentation, both online and offline your friends and family and come enjoy the for the next 12 months. show. Entry is free. Breakdance Classes Art Exhibition WHEN: Sunday-Wednesday WHEN: Until Jan 16 Breakdancing is part of the Hip Hop WHERE: W Doha Hotel & Residence culture that originated in New York and has TIME: 9am-7pm since spread all over the world. Breakdancing W Doha Hotel & Residences, the first is an athletic and acrobatic style of dancing, luxury lifestyle hotel in Qatar, is hosting the which can often appear to defy the laws works of local artist Fahad al-Obaidly at of physics. This extreme dance-sport the property’s in-house Art 29 gallery. The uses tremendous upper-body strength EVENTS exhibition titled “Exploring Expression” is for tricks and poses and a great way to get be open to the public until January 16 daily into shape and have fun. Register now by Car and Bike Stunt from 9am to 7pm. calling 33003839 or e-mail registration@ When: Dec 29 B.Square Mall Grand Event atelierqatar.com Where: Aspire Zone Gold Workshop For Teachers WHERE: Al Thumama, Doha Time: 8pm WHERE: Marriott Marquis WHEN: Ongoing Reggae Beachfest Doha Friday Club presents the ‘Car and Bike WHEN: Jan 17 TIME: 6:30pm WHEN: Thursdays and Fridays Stunt’ in drive-in Doha Aspire Zone this This one-day workshop will be about The only mall in Qatar dedicated to WHERE: Oyster Beach Bar at St. Regis Friday. It starts sharp at 8pm. For more English, Math, Science, Social Studies, entertainment, B.Square Mall will occupy Hotel details contact Subramanya Hebbagelu at History, ICT and new technologies for a total space of 26,000 sq.m and 250 car TIME: 8pm onwards 5564-1025. your classroom. Part of workshop will parking spaces, as well as provide a range In collaboration with Reggae Beachfest include working through a selection of of shopping, services, and entertainment in Dubai, Qatar will witness the best rasta Lecture on Quaid-i-Azam and the new resources and materials relevant options. nights around. The organisers say, “We’ve Ideology of to Early Years up to University teaching got the setup sorted to get you feeling the Guest Speaker: Syed Bilal Qutab environment. Torba Farmers Market Caribbean vibe. Along with our resident band WHEN: Dec 30 WHERE: Education City Earthkry all the way from Jamaica, we have so WHERE: Pak Shamaa School Laugh Out Loud WHEN: Ongoing many big names in the Reggae scene lined up TIME: 6pm WHEN: Feb 9 TIME: 9am at this huge beachfest!” Entrance fee is QR50 Pakistan Arts Society-Qatar (PAS-Q), WHERE: Intercontinental Doha The Qatar Foundation (QF) has partnered at the door. For more information, please call as you are aware, is a socio-cultural City with Torba Farmers Market, a Qatar-based 44460105. organization and has been working under TIME: 9am- 1am initiative that aims to deliver organic the patronage of Pakistan Embassy-Doha Eat, have fun and Laugh Out Loud with and locally-grown food and homemade Dance & Fitness Classes since 1986. two of the finest Filipino comedians – products, to host a weekly market in WHERE: Music and Arts Atelier, Villa 57, This year as part of the ongoing Wacky Kiray and Boobita. The event will Education City. Open to the public, the Bin Omran celebrations of Quaid-i-Azam Day, the start with a brunch meet and greet with market be held at QF’s Ceremonial Court, WHEN: Ongoing PAS-Q 28th lecture in this series is being Wacky Kiray and Boobita. In the afternoon accessible from gate 2, every Thursday from Atelier is the newest music and arts school orgnised by inviting Syed Bilal Qutab onwards, the activities will be: Komikero/a 9am-4pm and every Friday from 8am-11am in Doha that off ers dance and fitness classes (This will be his 2nd lecture in Doha) an (a stand-up comedy contest), videoke and 2pm-5pm.The name ‘Torba’ is derived for kids to adults such as ballet, hiphop, salsa, architect by profession, and an intellectual. challenge, band performances, a comedy from Arabic, and means “the pure soil that tango, and other Latin dances, Zumba, Tae Syed Bilal Qutab is an Assistant Professor, show with guest artist and dance party. For feeds, nourishes, and nurtures.” A wide Kwon Do, Yoga, kickboxing. Department of Architecture National further information call 7777-8542. range of fresh, locally-grown items will Contact at [email protected] College of Arts, Lahore, renowned be on offer, including organic fruits and or 33003839. television host/anchor and media Remote-controlled car racing track vegetables, homemade preserves, syrups, personality, from Pakistan. For more WHERE: Aspire Park and butters, as well as handicrafts and Reggae Nights every Sunday details, contact Adeel Akbar at 55815912. WHEN: Thu, Fri, Sat gardening supplies. WHERE: Sheraton Grand Doha TIME: 4pm-10pm WHEN: Every Sunday Aspire Zone Foundation has created a TIME: 9pm custom-made track specially designed Spend your summer nights with some good for remote-control car racing, for car “irie” reggae music every Sunday. Doors open lovers across Doha. Interested motorsport at 9pm at The Irish Harp. Entrance Fees is enthusiasts can try the race track opposite QR50 for gents. Ladies enter free. For further the Aspire Academy, from 4pm to 10pm on information, please call 44853000 or e-mail Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. at [email protected]

Salsa Nights WHERE: The Irish Harp-Sheraton Grand Doha WHEN: Every Wednesday TIME: 9pm Get ready for some Latin beats every Wednesday night, where all the salseros and salseras in town meet and party all night. Entry is QR50 for gents. Ladies enter free. For ANECX Brain Battle’2018 details call 4485 3000 WHERE: Birla Public School WHEN: Jan 5 Evolution Sports Qatar Off -Road biking tour ANECX-Qatar, the Qatar chapter of the WHERE: Evolution Sports WHERE: Zekreet Alumnus of NSS College of Engineering, WHEN: Ongoing WHEN: Fridays Palakkad, Kerala, is conducting Evolution Sports will mark its Blue Pearl Experience Qatar is off ering the Brain Battle 2018, an inter-school quiz anniversary by hosting a number of exciting country’s fi rst off -road biking tour. Ride in competition. The event, which will be events throughout 2017 as well as some the desert on a fat bike to explore the local hosted by GS Pradeep, shall be open to amazing promotions, ten years on from fl ora and fauna spot desert wildlife, hike students of Grade 7, 8 and 9 of all Indian when the club was formed on September up jebels, chill in the magic of the Richard schools in Qatar. A circular has already 1, 2007. The club has been working with Serra statues and this unique landscape. been sent to all Indian schools. Those Outdoor and five-a-side football a panel of coaches and directors to plan Participants will get to cross the desert who are still interested may contact the pitches the events which will be announced over riding fat bikes from Zekreet to the Richard organisers through their school officials or WHERE: Aspire Zone the coming months. Members should look Serra statues, on a route of approximately call at 6615-7615. WHEN: Daily forward to a variety of different occasions, 13kms. The route is easy to ride and suitable TIME: 7pm-11pm suitable for all ages so the whole family can for people with average fi tness. You must Amazing African Circus Aspire Zone’s five-a-side football get involved in the birthday celebrations. be able to ride. Kids aged 9 and older are WHERE: Hyatt Plaza outdoor pitches opposite Al Waab Street To kick-off things off, Evolution Sports also welcome. The fee is QR 220 (QR190 WHEN: Jan 8-21 are available every day from 7pm until 11pm recently launched their 10-year anniversary for ages 9-14) and includes bike and safety TIME: 5:30pm from Sundays to Thursdays, and on Fridays logo. The emblem has been designed by equipment. The activity lasts about 2.5 From January 8 to 21, the Amazing and Saturdays from 7am-11pm. Toyan Greaves, the man behind the original hours.

Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Thursday, December 28, 2017 COMMUNITY COVER STORY “We want to promote eco-tourism and enjoy Qatar’s natural beauty, with a purpose” — Jeanne Bedard Brown, environment campaigner public beaches, wild beaches, old By Mudassir Raja fi shing villages, and coastal sand dunes. I am new to Qatar and it has been a great way to discover the roups of volunteers country, with a purpose. have planned to carry Many people make fun of me out a large-scale when they see me cleaning up the activity to clean up beaches. I do not care. My goal beach areas and nearby is not to make everyone clean up Gsand dunes. The volunteers will beaches. What I want is for people be collecting trash and litter the to stop littering beaches. I do fun whole day on Friday (tomorrow). and cleaning at the same time. Doha Environmental Actions The Ministry of Environment Project and Qatar Volunteers has been doing a great job. They have joined hands with Qatar have put bins, garbage cans, and International Adventures (QIA) drums on beaches, but people do to raise awareness about the not usually use them. I do this environmental damages wrought work with a sense of community by litter. and relationship to Qatar. We work Jeanne Bedard Brown has been in a community having people in the forefront of the volunteer from 25 diff erent countries to clean campaign to clean up beaches. The up Qatar’s sea and beaches. When 30-year-old Canadian expatriate we are at the beaches, we also raise has been living with her husband awareness among visitors about in Qatar for a year. A dietician by not to litter the place. profession, she formed the Qatar Environmental Actions Project to How have you planned the voluntarily clean up the beaches. big clean-up on Friday? Community caught up with her The QIA has noticed our earlier to discern about her work and the work. They are very happy with event on Friday. us because our eff orts not only support clean environment but Please tell us briefl y about also (help the cause of) tourism. yourself and your volunteer We want to work together to work. promote eco-tourism and to enjoy I moved to Qatar a year ago Qatar’s natural beauty, with a with my husband, who, works in purpose. food safety fi eld. My interest for We have planned a major clean- environment comes from my job up and the QIA is going to support because I think you cannot have us with transport facilities for 100 healthy food without having a volunteers and a dinner at one of healthy environment. When we their desert camps. It is also very came here, we started snorkelling. valuable to take care of sand dunes I would be at the beach or in the that are Qatar’s national pride. sea as much as I could. When I In the beginning, I did not snorkel, I see more plastic than believe that cleaning up the fi sh. For me, it’s a problem. I do not beaches would become an like fi sh consuming plastic. important thing or purpose for me. In May 2017, I started a Facebook group. I posted that while What kind of trash do you snorkelling, I will also be doing fi nd in the sea, on the beaches, some beach cleaning. I started and sand dunes? with two people and now I have Most of all, we fi nd plastic. A 100 cleaning up the sea lines and plastic bottle can stay in the ocean, inland sea. So far I have done say for 400 years. We fi nd a lot CANDID: ‘I hate it when people say that there are paid people to clean the garbage. One does not need to pick 35 clean-ups. We have been to of plastic caps, plastic bottles, somebody else’s garbage. What I only ask the people is to put their garbage in nearby bins,’ says Jeanne Bedard diff erent places for cleanliness like plastic bags, candy wrappers, and Brown. Thursday, December 28, 2017 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY even batteries. We fi nd many other things also. We fi nd litter everywhere. If the garbage is not thrown by the people, it is brought ashore by tides. The trash in an ocean does not need a passport. I am more concerned about small chunks of plastic because these are the fi rst things that the fi sh or birds can eat. We can easily collect bigger objects, but the smaller ones are hard to get and collect.

Where and how do you dispose of the trash? To the best of my capacity, I have been bringing all the trash back to my house and then giving it to a recycling company. Now, it is going big and my car is not too big. I have contacted the Ministry of Environment and a solid waste management company working in Qatar. We now put the garbage in nearby bins. If we do not fi nd a bin nearby, I will inform the ministry or the company and will provide them the location where the waste is.

How is the response of the people to your clean-up drive? I think the people care. We have many people who have only Friday as their weekly off day. They will still come with me on a Friday and do the clean-up activity. There are diff erent reasons; some of them are looking for a social activity; DRIVEN: Group of expatriates collecting trash. some people take it as a sport or a free gym; some of them do it to helpful. They provide me with help us as much as they can. else’s garbage. What I only ask the December 29. The video shows have contact with nature; some plastic bags when I run short of the I hate it when people say that people is to put their garbage in our work to clean up Qatar love animals and birds and they bags. They also help us remove our there are paid people to clean nearby bins. and improve the environment. want to protect them. They also bags from the beaches. They give the garbage. There are about 2.6 Education is a big part of our do it for better environment, for me permission to go to places that million people in Qatar, but there What are your future plans? activities. We need to stop people cleaner beaches and water. They are diffi cult to access. They also aren’t 2.6 million cleaners. One We are going to release a video littering around. love the country and they want to sometimes give us transport. They does not need to pick somebody covering our past activities on In Canada, my love for nature protect it. came from woods and trees. When Further, diff erent government I came here, it was hard for me to departments have also been very “Many people make fun of me when they see me relate to nature. However, it took appreciative of our work. For cleaning up the beaches. I do not care. My goal is not me some time to learn about the me, environment is everybody’s desert. I have started loving the problem. We cannot accuse one or to make everyone clean up beaches. What I want is desert and beaches since. When certain persons for this. you love something, you want to The ministry has been very for people to stop littering beaches” protect it.

VOLUNTEERS: A file photo shows volunteers after the Al Thakira mangrove clean-up. 6 GULF TIMES Thursday, December 28, 2017 COMMUNITY Bloomberg News MENA editor speaks at NU-Q

iad Hamade, executive model and approach to news is that are on politically-sensitive editor of Bloomberg unique,” said Everette E Dennis, topics. News MENA, shared dean and CEO of NU-Q. “It is “It’s a challenge,” said Hamade. his insight on how important for our students to have “Our stories do not always please one of the world’s access to leaders in the media everybody, but again, our accuracy Rleading news and fi nancial news industry who are able to share their and commitment to fair reporting information companies gathers expertise, as well as their thoughts are our main support. We’re always and breaks news. on how this industry is responding open to feedback and will update Hamade was the fi rst speaker in world.” the story accordingly. It’s also a series of presentations on media Hamade pointed out that in the important for us to have people companies in context of their complicated industry of business, on the ground and to have good overall operations and content fi nance, and economics, journalists relationships with infl uential production that is being hosted by have to develop a good sense of fi gures – you can’t be a great Northwestern University in Qatar. understanding of how things work journalist unless you have good “Our clients rely on our news and be able to think critically about relationships.” portal to make major business the information they are presented NU-Q regularly hosts sessions decisions. We are held accountable with. “Our reporters are not and interviews with leaders in for the news that we share and how economists or fi nancial analysts, the media industry, giving its quickly we do it,” said Hamade, a but with time and experience they community an opportunity to learn 17-year veteran of the company. start to understand the business from and engage with the guests. “Bloomberg’s strength is that it industry, and it’s fascinating how Previous speakers this semester does extremely well at connecting hooked they get because they have included CNN host Fareed the dots between fi nancial realise how important money Zakaria; HE Sheikh Saif bin Ahmed information and business news, is in politics, and in social and al-Thani, director of Qatar’s and it does that fast.” economic developments,” he said. Government Communications “As a leading global source Following his presentation, Offi ce; and journalists from SESSION: Riad Hamade, executive editor of Bloomberg News MENA, giving for fi nancial and business news Hamade was asked how Bloomberg the Pulitzer Center for Crisis his presentation on financial information and reporting at Northwestern stories, Bloomberg’s business News approaches news reports Reporting. University in Qatar. Aspire Academy holds an interactive ‘Secrets to Excellence’ session for parents

spire Academy organised an innovative Al-Anzi discussed brain development and interactive session for parents recently its role in the growth of athletes, saying: “New under the theme of the “Secrets researches indicate that brain cells ’t stop to Excellence,” to demonstrate development at a certain age as they continue how positive behaviour changes to evolve. This demonstrates that human beings Acan stimulate brain development and enhance should not stop learning and developing and performance in student-athletes and young should always remain active. As for the positive people. behaviour change, this is an essential tool to the Attendees received presentations from three development of the brain of our children.” of Qatar’s most prominent Pedagogical and Meanwhile, Dr Babli, Head of Academic Psychological experts, including the educational Support Department at Aspire Academy, adviser and radio presenter Dr Abdulrahman unveiled the Academy’s ongoing efforts to al-Harami; Muhammad al-Anzi, Psychological apply the latest human brain research findings Consultant at Aspire Academy; and Dr Jamil Babli, on increasing both the academic and sports Head of Academic Support Department at Aspire performance of student-athletes. Academy. He said that the Academy is currently During the interactive session, parents had implementing models that track and analyse the chance to engage with the three experts and brain signals. Based on the results of this ask questions about the sessions and head about analysis, neurologists structure a protocol in the latest research fi ndings on how positive collaboration with educators and coaches that behavioural changes can motivate the performance leads to the development and improvement of of their children. student-athlete’s attention spans and emotional “We all believe that in order to positively change stability to help them eventually achieve the behaviour of our students we need involvement excellence. and commitment from both parents and teachers. Aspire Academy promotes responsive The turnout today demonstrates the common educational environments and intercultural understanding among us. We hope that everyone experiences to develop the student-athletes’ who attended took something away with them that academic potential. Through personalised will help them positively change the behaviour of learning programmes and 21st century their own children and help them become better technology, the Academy develops responsible student-athletes at the Aspire Academy in future learners as it inspires every student-athlete to INFORMATIVE: From left, Dr Jamil Babli, Dr Abdulrahman al-Harami, and years who perform to their best,” Dr al-Harami make valued contributions to the local and global Muhammad al-Anzi at the session. said. community. Thursday, December 28, 2017 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY Training courses for young craftsmen to continue at Katara till April

First training programme on traditional handicraft will continue in Katara at the square of Building a generation of craftsmen aware of the importance of the popular professions and their artistic and 6 until April. The programme includes training courses on Al-Sadu, gypsum decoration and creative value, and possess the culture of quality, mastery, excellence”. embroidery and will be held from 4pm to 8pm every Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. She added, “We have divided the craft in terms of practitioners (female and male) and common Salma al-Nuaimi, Cultural Counselor and Head of Heritage Committee at Katara Cultural Village, crafts such as leather tanning, wicker wool, women’s crafts such as sewing, Al-Sadu, perfumery, said, “The first training programme on traditional handicrafts aims at reviving the popular heritage cosmetics, and men’s crafts, such as carpentry, goldsmith, sea crafts, gypsum, pottery, and and attracting Qatari youth, residents and children to engage in traditional crafts in order to create blacksmith.”

90 club off icers attend Toastmasters Division H training

The mid-year educational workshop recently organised by Toastmasters Division H in Qatar specific club off icer training. turned out to be another stand-out and sell-out event. Over 90 club off icers attended the training The third part of the workshop was the judges training, in preparation for the upcoming contests programme. season. It featured three champion speakers from Qatar: Jonathan Sequeira, Nisha Shivram and In line with the Power of Three philosophy, the event had three training segments. Abhshek Chattopadhyay. In the first segment, Aldrine Fernandez, HR Manager at the Ali Bin Ali Group, conducted an District 20 Program Quality Director Rajeswar Sundaresan complimented Division H leaders for interactive session on how to build healthy teams. the achievements during the first six months and challenged them to perform at their best in the In the second segment, executive committee members from the diff erent clubs took part in the role- months to come. Division H Director Joseph Stanley gave the finishing touches to the event. 8 GULF TIMES Thursday, December 28, 2017 COMMUNITY SIS students secure top positions in FCC School Arts Fest 2017

SIS students secured top positions in various competitions in the Friends Culture Centre (FCC) and Colour, Complete the Picture and Colour, Clay Modelling, Craft Installation, Caption Writing, School Arts Fest 2017 that was held recently. A total of 16 students secured the first position, Drawing, Action Song, Story Telling, Passage Reading, Elocution, Mono Act, Skit, Group Song and nine secured the second and six secured the third positions in the various competitions that Poem Recitation. Principal Dr Subhash Nair, Senior Vice-Principal Shihabudheen Pulath and Vice were conducted under Kids, Sub Junior, Junior, Senior and Pre-Senior categories in Join the Dots Principal Dudley O’Connor congratulated the winners.

SIS emerges first runners-up in ‘Vamozhiyattam’

SIS emerged as the first runners-up in the folk song competition ‘Vamozhiyattam’, organised by the Kairali TV and Kanal held at the Indian Cultural Centre recently. Artists, singers, prominent community members and the media attended the programme. Praseetha Chalakkudy from the Kerala State Music-Drama Academy appreciated the SIS team’s performance in the competition.

Counselling Session for secondary students, their parents at SIS

The parents and students of Class X attended a Counselling Session organised by Shantiniketan Indian School recently. The parents were counselled about the advantages of each stream and various subject combinations for senior secondary courses in the Academic Session 2018-19. Tono Fernandez and Virgil presented the various subject options available in the science stream and commerce stream. Shakir Hussain oriented them with various subject combinations and career possibilities in Humanities. Principal Dr Subhash Nair took questions from parents to clear their doubts and help children in choosing their subjects according to their strengths and interests. Thursday, December 28, 2017 GULF TIMES 9 COMMUNITY Inter-Community Beach Volleyball Festival announced by QVA and ISC

The Qatar Volleyball Association (QVA) and Indian Sports Centre (ISC) are jointly organising an Mamdouh Wafy of Qatar Volleyball Association; and others. There is no restriction on the Inter-Community Beach Volleyball Festival on January 11 and 12 at Al Gharafa Beach Volleyball maximum number of teams from a particular country. The organisers will also set up a fan zone Facility. Members of more than 15 expatriate communities in Qatar will compete in the tournament, where visitors will get a variety of food items. Seen here are QVA and Indian Sports Centre off icials said off icials at a recent press meet. The meeting was attended by Nilangshu Dey, ISC president; along with expatriate community leaders from various countries during the meeting. For more Ashik Ahmed, head of volleyball at ISC; along with Hussein Imam Ali, Roberto Reggiani and details, please call 55854126 or 55451510.

Cultural Forum bags top honour in National Day activities for expatriates

Cultural Forum Qatar (CF) has bagged the first range of fields. Many families including place in the thematic march past competition women and children carried the Qatari flag for communities held as part of the associated and wore maroon memorabilia – filling the air activities of Qatar National Day celebrations, with patriotic fervour and creating a festive organised by the Ministry of Interior at Asian atmosphere. Town on December 18. The team was led by Suhail Santapuram, More than 500 members of Cultural Forum Acting President of Cultural Forum; P K Thahira, put up a spectacular show in the tough Vice President; Majeed Ali and Sadiq Ali competition that featured several community- (both General Secretaries); A R Abdul Gafoor, based organisations. One of the major Treasurer; Yasir M Abdullah, General Convenor; attractions presented by CF was a miniature Alavikkutty and Mohammed Kunhi (both replica of the Doha Metro on wheels, hand- secretaries); Sameeullah; C H Najeeb; Mushtaq; crafted in an innovative and marvellous Rasheed Ali; Anees Mala; Rubeena Mohammed style by a group of 15 volunteers. The parade Kunhi; Noorjahan Faizal; and Sajna Zakki. also featured theme-based displays by CF Earlier in the day, CF also organised a members on the World Cup Football to be Qatar National Day celebration at the Qatar hosted by Qatar in 2022, reflections on the Rehabilitation Institute. Renowned Malayalam humanitarian activities spearheaded by the writer Santha Thulasidharan was the chief State of Qatar across the world, a replica of guest. The event featured a variety of folk the traditional dhow, key accomplishments dances performed by different groups of and major strides by the country in a wide children and traditional music performances. 10 GULF TIMES Thursday, December 28, 2017 COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHIC Thursday, December 28, 2017 GULF TIMES 11 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY How to keep digestion healthy during the wedding season

ho doesn’t love the wedding Keep your body well hydrated: This is Avoid bloating with the right foods: season and all the beautiful the easiest way to keep your digestion healthy A bloated abdomen can make you feel ensembles, gala festivities during wedding season. Drinking at least 2-3 uncomfortable and conscious, especially when and lively cheer that it comes litres of water every day will keep you feeling you’re wearing that slinky blouse with your with? But amidst all this, one and looking your best. You can also add sliced new lehenga. The best way to avoid abdominal mustW not forget that over indulgence in food lemons, cucumbers, ginger and chopped mint bloating and gas is to avoid eating certain raw during this time can seriously aff ect digestion. leaves to your bottle of water and sip it regularly vegetables like broccoli, kale, caulifl ower and However, few easy ways can protect your body for enhanced cleansing. This will not only help cabbage. and its digestive functions. to fl ush out toxins but will help in digestion as Another trick to reduce bloating is to control Mehar Rajput, Nutritionist at FITPASS and well. Coconut water, jeera water, cinnamon your sodium intake. Stay away from processed Sonia Narang, Nutritionist and Wellness Expert water, fennel water, coriander water are the foods as they are high on sodium. Having at Orifl ame India doles out easy tips to stay in other varieties you can experiment with to potassium-rich foods such as bananas and nut top form, look your best while being the most cleanse your body naturally and get healthier butter for breakfast can help to counteract the enthusiastic baraati or bridesmaid. looking skin. ill-eff ects of sodium and reduce bloating.

Snack on fresh fruits and salads: You Improve digestion with herbal teas: If Munch on healthy nuts and seeds: Nuts needn’t be a diet snob on weddings and act you’re looking for a perfect drink to aid weight and seeds such as almonds, walnuts, pistachio, aid digestion and guard you from feeling like someone who simply can’t eat any of the loss and improve digestion, then sip herbal teas fl ax seeds, chia seeds and sunfl ower seeds are bloated after heavy meals that you may end up food on off er. But what you can do is scout at least 2-3 times a day. Healthy options such as packed with nutrients, minerals and healthy eating at weddings. After all, who can resist an out the healthiest options and snack on them green tea, chamomile tea and peppermint tea fats. They provide energy which we all certainly aromatic plate of butter chicken with a sinful fi rst. Most weddings have a salad bar or a fresh are caff eine free and therefore don’t dehydrate need to cope with the wedding celebrations and garlic naan? Fermented foods like kefi r, yogurt fruit counter these days. First fi ll your plate up your system. They help to boost metabolism, even boost overall nutrient intake. Add these kimchi and kombucha off er a healthy dose of with these so that you’re almost full before you aid weight loss and keep you in shape. While nuts/seeds in your meals to enhance the taste probiotics that help to curb cravings, keep your hit the greasier stuff . You can obviously enjoy peppermint tea eff ectively aids digestion, helps and improve your health. gut healthy and are good for the skin as well. the latter as well but you’ll feel like eating it in relieve stomach gas and bloating, green tea The good bacteria present in these foods break limited quantities when you have had your dose reduces intestinal gas, digestive disorders and Keep your gut healthy with probiotics: down lactose and other sugars in the food, of the fi bre rich fruits and salads already! regulates the digestive system. Often referred to as good bacteria, probiotics making digestion easier. — IANS

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

You’re having a diff icult time connecting with your emotions today. Take some emotional time off today if you feel you deserve it. You’re You may get more emotional than usual when it comes to work. Things will run more smoothly if you don’t try to force yourself getting so wrapped up in other people’s dramas that you’re feeling Do your best to keep your emotional life separate from daily to act cheerful if you aren’t. Be honest about your emotions. If drained when it comes to your own concerns. Calm down and relax responsibilities. If you feel overwhelmed by a certain job to the point you’re feeling restless or negative, keep it to yourself. Go for a walk, physically and mentally. Getting too stressed about a certain issue where you can no longer do it eff ectively, it may be a sign that you preferably near water, and indulge in a good healthy meal. isn’t healthy. You may end up foiling the situation much more than if need to make some changes. This is a time of heightened sensitivity. you left it alone. Come back to it later. Do your best to stay afloat. CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

People are hesitant to deal with deep emotional issues today. You’re having a diff icult time getting started today. Don’t get Be polite and try your best not to impose on other people today. It’s They’re erecting protective barriers so the things they hear, see, and discouraged if things don’t seem to be working. Your expectations important to behave civilly in all circumstances. People may feel like feel don’t hurt them. Respect these boundaries. Do your best to stay may be too high, and your perfectionism is making it diff icult for they’ve been cheated. Although you may not be the source of their rooted in your inner sanctuary. Try to keep a positive attitude even anyone to live up to your standards. Don’t get worked up over every discontent, you may feel the consequences. Keep other people’s though the prevailing mood may be sombre. little detail. Perfection isn’t demanded of you. issues separate from yours, and don’t let their discomfort seep into your world. LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

Don’t blame everything on others today. It’s important to be adult You might need to adopt a stern attitude today in order to be as You may not feel like your engine is working today. For some reason, enough to take responsibility for your actions. Understand that eff ective as you’d like to be. When dealing with others, don’t make it seems like you’re using the wrong fuel. Don’t be surprised if it’s a things aren’t always going to happen the way you want. Realise that assumptions for which you don’t have solid backing. Other people bit harder to get in touch with your emotional state. Your feelings are sometimes you have to take the good with the bad. There’s a sombre are easily touched off , so keep things limited to the facts. Try not to playing tricks on you. Do your best not to be thrown off balance by mood to the day that might overwhelm your normal attitude. Try to stir up heavy emotions. this energy. It gets easier from here. stay focused and disciplined. CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

You might find your emotions stifled today. You have a great deal You might not feel especially motivated today. Nonetheless, whether You may be very busy today. This is a good time to get things to say, but for some reason there’s a bit of hesitation when it comes you want to or not, it’s important that you attack the mountain of done. There’s a feeling of discipline that’s helping you stay focused. to saying it. Don’t be surprised if you feel anxious in such a way that tasks. Understand and respect the constraints of the ticking clock. Emotions are stifled, which may work to your advantage. Keep makes it diff icult to communicate. Much of today’s talk may be filled As long as you’re disciplined about accomplishing one small task at everything limited to the facts at hand, and work can proceed much with fluff and not much substance. a time, you won’t have a problem reducing the mountain to a small more eff iciently than if simple issues become big soap operas. pile. 12 GULF TIMES Thursday, December 28, 2017 COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES

Wordsearch Adam

Poetry Pooch Cafe ALLEGORY IAMB SIMILE BALLAD IMAGERY SONNET BATHOS IRONY SPONDEE CESURA LYRIC STANZA COUPLET METAPHOR STRESS DACTYL PASTORAL STYLE ELEGY QUATRAIN TROCHEE ELISION RHYME VERSE EPIC SATIRE FOOT SCANSION

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. Thursday, December 28, 2017 GULF TIMES 13 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Super Cryptic Clues Colouring

ACROSS DOWN 1. Uneasy, do more work in the 1. Shake one’s head at the theatre (8) waste (6) 5. Jokes about the splits (6) 2. Making one’s way, slowly, 10. What one thought of the through a smart catalogue book before it became a big (9) seller? (5,10) 3. Authorising Nigel to run the 11. Cross, tries to decipher the race in it (7) name written inside (7) 4. A certain number got caught 12. The chap with the rope is the in the river (5) man in charge (7) 6. Peter’s prepared to 13. That’s one of the great things accommodate one for the about an eagle! (4-4) stay (7) 15. Get out of being accurate (5) 7. It’s hard, when Priscilla starts 18. It belongs in the zoo and the to run wild (5) man took it back (5) 8. One girl has her nose put out 20. The rise spiral is, to me on of joint by another (8) the outside, aggravating (8) 9. Is more liable to capture a 23. Knock back the drink: the hostage (8) one poured out for bedtime 14. She does, when the one-ten (7) chugs in, step out (8) Answers 25. Passes the back-numbers to 16. With a nod I wave the girl a member of the staff (5,2) through, letting her in (9) Wordsearch Codeword 26. The moan that you stand too 17. Hear of and give your seat much on ceremony? (6,9) to? (5,3) 27. Get angry when the man, the 19. Go back to the wrong terrace Continental, returns (6) (7) 28. Would have you believe it’s in 21. A garment for which one has a present-day setting (8) little time (7) 22. Joins one, ready to return (6) 24. Become a leftist when attacked (5) 25. The Greek kept her in order? Just the opposite! (5)

Yesterday’s Solutions

Across: 1 For shame; 5 Amused; Down: 1 France; 2 Resume; 3 9 Assassin; 10 Tramps; 12 Hostage; 4 Main; 6 Marxist; Combat; 13 Canister; 15 Several 7 Sometime; 8 Distress; 11 times; 18 Out in the open; 23 Paragon; 14 Leghorn; 16 Go all Lobsters; 24 Dinner; 26 Origan; out; 17 Stabling; 19 Nut-case; 20 27 Careless; 28 Tagged; 29 Eminent; 21 Angela; 22 Crusty; Contrary. 25 Mayo. 14 GULF TIMES Thursday, December 28, 2017 COMMUNITY REVIEWS

FREE PRESS: Tom Hanks, left, in the movie. It is the story of a newspaper standing up to a United States president. Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep shine in The Post take place in just about any era, including and (Jason Robards won an Oscar for his crusty the principles of a free press and publish? By Rafer Guzmán perhaps especially this one. Bradlee in All the President’s Men, but Hanks Screenwriters Liz Hannah and Josh Singer The Post, essentially a two-hander, puts his own mischievous stamp on the role.) do a fi ne job of turning abstract issues into features two very fi ne old hands who have The newshound and the businesswoman have taut drama with tense phone calls, newsroom teven Spielberg’s The Post tells the never before come together on screen: Meryl coexisted for years without having to ruffl e powwows and boardroom blowups. story of a newspaper standing up Streep, as Post publisher Katharine Graham, each other’s feathers. That is about to change. The Post sometimes feels more elegant to a United States president who and Tom Hanks, as editor Ben Bradlee. These When Nixon legally stops The Times than urgent, more fi nely crafted than wants to bully the free press into two characters are very diff erent people: from publishing the Pentagon Papers — a fervent. Still, the cast and crew deserve submission. The year is 1971 and Graham is a Capitol Hill society matron damning report suggesting years of offi cial credit for making this fi lm at a fast clip (it Sthe fi ght is over the Pentagon Papers, a trove who’s friendly with high-powered types like falsehoods about Vietnam — Post reporter was reportedly fi nished just last month) of classifi ed documents published by The Secretary of Defense Robert S McNamara Ben Bagdikian (a wry Bob Odenkirk) obtains in response to what’s going on right here Washington Post despite legal threats from (Bruce Greenwood), while Bradlee is a genteel his own copy. Graham and Bradlee must now and now. If the fi lm’s real-life subjects Richard Nixon’s White House. The Post may rascal who’s not above sending an intern to decide what to do: Sit on the documents and were alive, they would surely approve. – be a period piece, but its central battle could hang out in the offi ces of The New York Times. protect the paper from legal action, or uphold Newsday/TNS) Pitch Perfect 3 is a fatally off -key sequel

aspiring mixmaster who’s just quit steering Pitch Perfect 2, was willing By Justin Chang her unfulfi lling record-label job, to get to the director’s chair. (The fi nds herself thrown back with her honour, if that’s the word, falls to old gal pals from the Barden Bellas, Trish Sie.) he trailer for Pitch Perfect a spirited if erratic a cappella group. Some predictable idiocy ensues, 3 makes it look and sound Post-college life is rough, and followed by some less predictable like a comedy, which puts so the Bellas join a United Service idiocy. It’s no surprise to report me in the unfortunate Organizations tour to entertain that the delightful Rebel Wilson, position of announcing American troops around the world once again stepping into the role Tthat it is nothing of the kind. It’s a and also to compete with several of Fat Amy, spends most of the tragedy in four-part harmony. more seasoned, instrument- movie dropping vulgar innuendo, The latest in a once-appealing wielding bands for the chance to ogling the servicemen and series of movies about the joys of open for DJ Khaled. (The credits perfecting her one-woman show, female friendship, campus rivalry note that DJ Khaled played himself, Fat Amy Winehouse. It’s a bit more and vocal percussion, it’s a coarse, but he couldn’t possibly be this dull POINTLESS: A scene from the movie. It is a coarse, ugly, and pointlessly surprising to learn that she is the ugly, pointlessly action-packed in real life.) action-packed film. daughter of a ruthless international reminder that every modestly The awful, corrosive thing assassin (John Lithgow, sporting sharp and amusing property must about Pitch Perfect 3 is that what’s doing wan variations on past shtick. will be. Elizabeth Banks and John an Australian accent and an eventually be converted by the bothering the Bellas — their anxiety There are the usual Top 40 Michael Higgins return too with uncharacteristic air of self- commercial logic of Hollywood, that their glory days of fun and mash-ups and riff -off s (Fly Away! their snarky geek-chorus routine, loathing). into a soul-killing cash grab. fame have passed — becomes the Love Me Harder!), but the Bellas’ though this time they’re playing I probably should have prefaced I won’t dwell on the details. The movie’s unintended subtext and the chief rivals — attitude-dripping not competition judges but amateur that with a spoiler alert, but the laziness with which this movie actors’ as well. Brittany Snow, Anna pop-rock musicians with the fi lmmakers trying to make a only way I could ruin Pitch Perfect has been slapped together can’t Camp, Hailee Steinfeld, Ester Dean much-repeated name of Evermoist documentary about the Bellas. That 3 for you would be by encouraging really be described; it can only be and Hana Mae Lee are back but not — seem only a bit more invested seems to be as close as Banks, who you to see it. – Los Angeles Times/ emulated. Beca (Anna Kendrick), an exactly better than ever, trapped in the outcome than the audience did a more-than-creditable job TNS Thursday, December 28, 2017 GULF TIMES 15 COMMUNITY A good commercial film will always work:

ilmmaker Rohit Shetty, changed the whole fi lm and that who scored a hit with went wrong. So that was a learning - experience – to cater to an audience backed Again and not to shift that.” in a year which has Shetty is himself a fan of director seenF and Salman Rajkumar Hirani. Khan’s fi lms fall fl at at the box “I have a lot of respect in my offi ce, says a good commercial heart for him because I think he is movie will always work. the only director who can pull off During a conversation on Saavn’s a commercial fi lm with so much Take 2 with Anupama and Rajeev, value and so much of message. He Shetty was asked if there was any is the only commercial director who sort of anxiety about the fact that can cater to everyone. If you watch a chunk of commercial fi lms were a Raju Hirani fi lm, it has everything. rejected in 2017 before Judwaa 2 The class that Raju Hirani brings in and Golmaal Again came, read a is amazing. statement. “I think he is the fi nest director Shetty said: “No... What has we have in our country or in the happened is that just because world I would say,” he said of you have a big star, you tag it as Hirani, known for movies like the a commercial fi lm. I don’t see Munna Bhai series, and PK. Tubelight as a commercial fi lm. Talking about whether he feels Whereas Salman Khan’s Tiger Zinda angry that he doesn’t get the Hai is a commercial fi lm – you can respect he deserves, Shetty said: make out, there is action, there is “Earlier I used to, but now I know song and there is everything what a that it’s never going to happen ever Salman Khan fi lm should be like. in my life. But you know what, “And I really admire and respect because of television, I think I’ve Kabir (Khan) for taking Salman Khan calmed down. And when I say after Bajrangi (Bhaijaan) and making television, it’s because people know a fi lm like Tubelight. It didn’t work, who Rohit Shetty is, you become a that’s a diff erent story altogether brand because of that and then you but at least he was honest in what he start meeting people when you’re was doing. So I don’t see Tubelight travelling, you’re at the airport, in as a commercial fi lm. the gym or you’re with your family “I don’t see Jab Harry Met Sejal at a mall or a restaurant. as an out and out Shah Rukh Khan “And then people start loving commercial fi lm. So you can’t call you so much giving you so much these two fi lms commercial. And love and respect. This is the reason other than that what happened CATERING TO HIS AUDIENCE: Director Rohit Shetty on the sets of reality television show India’s Next Superstars. now I’ve mellowed down a lot. Just this year was that a lot of people to make yourself sound intellectual took back-foot, ‘Oh, commercial “The kind of fi lms I make are for is largely family audience and mass cinema).” you can’t bring a Rohit Shetty is not going to work’, which is a pan-India. There’s a large segment audience and I try to cater to them He went wrong with Dilwale. down. You can work hard and make wrong theory altogether. A good of the audience which come and every time. It’s just going right all “That is the fi rst time in my your own space.” commercial fi lm will always work.” see these kind of fi lms, commercial the time... That’s all I can say. I try career that I went to cater the Shetty has been a part of reality As for himself, he says he doesn’t fi lms... I make commercial fi lms to cater to a segment of audience audience which is not mine, that’s TV show Khatron Ke Khiladi as know if there’s a success formula. keeping in mind my audience which which I know (would like my a Shah Rukh-Kajol audience... We host. –IANS

Salman Khan turns 52, B-Town My fi rst ever hero and long time friend and wishes him more success inspiration. Happy Birthday Salman, thank you for being the fi nest co-star I could have With double celebrations in order for asked for. Salman Khan – who turned 52 on Wednesday Ali Abbas Zafar: Happy birthday Salman and is revelling in the success of his latest Khan. Some bonds are just special “aur bhai entertainer Tiger Zinda Hai – his Bollywood bhai hota hai”. colleagues wished the superstar a happy and Vishal Dadlani: Happy Birthday, Salman successful year. Khan. Thank you for your faith, for being so Salman brought in his birthday at chill and for giving us the space to do what we his Panvel farmhouse with his friends, do in both Tiger Zinda Hai and Sultan. You’ve including Tiger Zinda Hai co-star Katrina carried both to amazing heights, and it’s been Kaif. The film has crossed Rs150 crore since a privilege to have our songs fl y along with releasing on December 22, bringing some you.” much-needed respite at the Bollywood box Bipasha Basu: Happy birthday Salman office. Khan. Many many congratulations for He also planned to ensure there was the super success of Tiger Zinda Hai too. something special for his fans on his special Celebrations galore. day. So, he decided to off er discount on select Pulkit Samrat: Happy Birthday Bhai! Love merchandise of Being Human clothing and and hugs! Respect forever, Fan forever. jewellery. Mika Singh: Yaaro ka yaar, Salman Khan. Here’s what the celebrities tweeted: May you live long bhai. May god bless you MEGAHIT: Salman Khan’s latest film has crossed INR150 crore in the five days since it has been released. : Dearest Salman, have a great with lots of happiness, success and a good day and a wonderful year! Many happy health. happiness always. Have a super year ahead. Shraddha Kapoor: Happy happy birthday! returns of this day! Congratulations on the Mohanlal: Have the happiest of Happy Divya Dutta: Happy birthday to someone Keep shining, smiling and being awesome! record breaking collections! Superb! Love. Birthdays Salman Khan. God Bless. who is all heart and rules all hearts!!! Big hug Prosenjit Chatterjee: Wish you a rocking Sonam Kapoor: Looking back at my time in : Happy Birthday Salman Khan. birthday Salman Khan and congrats for Tiger Bollywood, no one stands out as much as you! Salman bhai. God bless you with all the Riteish Deshmukh: Happy Birthday Bhau. Zinda Hai. -IANS 16 GULF TIMES Thursday, December 28, 2017 COMMUNITY Making the most of remittances to Nepal Rohan Gurung, president of Nepali Association of Foreign Employment Agencies, believes the country should encourage the use of remittances for productive activities

a home to live in. Then, he or she has to take care of health and education of his or her kids. The remaining saving can then be used in productive activities, but the right environment is needed for that saving to be utilised in production.

There are many reports that state that Nepalis fi nd their work and facilities diff erent from what is promised by the manpower offi ces in Kathmandu. Is it true and how does that happen? The responsibility solely lies with the company if a worker doesn’t get the promised job and facilities. When UAE-based companies didn’t provide the promised salaries, 76 of them were blacklisted by our organisation. In some cases, Kathmandu- based manpower agencies also make mistakes.

How can we minimise the hassle, confusion and problems faced by Nepali workers when it comes to manpower agencies? Most of the hassles come up when there is discrepancy between Foreign Employment Act of Nepal and the rules, regulations and policies of the labour-importing countries. Nepal and labour-importing countries should discuss this matter and formulate labour- governing instruments accordingly.

What do you think of the new regulation made by the Qatari government regarding the establishment INTERVIEW: Rohan Gurung says about 70% of Nepalis coming to Qatar are unskilled labourers, while the rest fall in semi-skilled and skilled categories.. of a medical centre in Nepal? How it can benefi t the Nepali citizens who want to times. Qatar is the second-most popular for both the government and manpower come to Qatar? By Usha Wagle Gautam destination for them in the region. agencies. It is good to have a medical check-up centre in Nepal. But our organisation doesn’t How do you assess the performance There are rumours that manpower want the workers to be subjected to huge here are around half a million of foreign employment agencies in agencies in Kathmandu charge high fees medical costs. Nepali workers in Qatar. The facilitating the move of workers to from workers bound for the Gulf region country has become one of the destination countries? in general and Qatar in particular, even Can you talk about the labour demand foremost work destinations for There are around 900 manpower agencies though Qatar and Nepal have agreed to in Qatar? Do you have data on the Nepalis. As a gracious host to these in Nepal. Operators of these manpower charge no fees (free visa and free ticket) workers? NepaliT workers, the State of Qatar has taken agencies travel to other countries to identify for Qatar-bound workers? Around half a million Nepalis come to a number of steps to provide an enabling labour markets. They do so at their own costs. The facility of free visa and free ticket is Qatar annually. Among them, 70 percent are environment, making it more convenient and The amount of remittance going to Nepal is very good. Even though “free visa and free unskilled, and the remaining are semi-skilled aff ordable for Nepalis who aspire to work in increasing and has become the backbone of ticket” facility is indicated in agreements, and skilled. the country, including the provision of free the economy. Manpower agencies observe the many companies abroad want to hire workers visa and ticket for Qatar-bound workers. working conditions and facilities during their through the manpower agencies, which provide Have you seen any fl uctuations in Manpower agencies in Kathmandu and fi rst phase at foreign work sites. These agencies them with commission. So there has become labour demand in the past six months? other Nepali cities play an essential part check whether the workers are getting the an unhealthy competition between agencies to I am not happy with the ongoing Gulf in getting these workers here. Community stipulated salaries and facilities or not. provide commission and send labourers to the crisis. I wish this problem will be solved caught up with Rohan Gurung, president of companies. The authorities need to examine as soon as possible. After the blockade, Nepali Association of Foreign Employment These agencies, known as manpower the fi nal audit reports of companies, which the overall demand of labour in the Gulf Agencies (NAFEA), and talked to him about agencies in Kathmandu, are accused of they have to submit at the end of every fi scal region has decreased. But, I have not heard matters regarding labour migration. fl eecing potential workers? What is your year. The government should know how the anything about this blockade aff ecting our take on it? companies have shown the expenditures of visa workers in Qatar. We in Nepal experienced a Which countries and regions are the Most of the youths who choose labour and ticket fees in their fi nal fi scal report. similar blockade in 2015 and suff ered a lot. most popular work destinations for migration come from remote districts. Many The reason behind Qatar not being aff ected Nepalis? of them don’t have adequate information How do you assess the future of by the blockade is that it is a developed Nepali youth desire to go to Europe and of coming to Kathmandu for visa and ticket foreign migration and sustainability of country. I wish Nepal will move toward America, but the demand of workers is much processing. So, they rely on local agents. remittance economy of Nepal? prosperity in the same way and will stand by less there. There is a huge movement of These local agents take a lot of money from The remittance going to Nepal is utilised itself if its neighbouring countries impose Nepali labour into the Gulf region in recent the workers. This has become a challenge in unproductive sectors. A worker fi rst wants sanctions.