Community Community Indian Doha-based Community Filipino artist P6Benevolent P16 wins first Forum conducts ICBF of its kind sand art Day 2019 to recognise competition held prominent social near Sealine workers in Qatar. Beach Resort.

Tuesday, April 16, 2019 Sha’baan 11, 1440 AH

Doha today 230 - 330

BEAUTY AT WORK: A Monarch butterfly on a flower in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, a national park about 60 miles north of Mexico City near La Mesa, Estado de Mexico.

COVER The great rush STORY To save the monarch butterfly, Mexican scientists are moving a forest 1,000 feet up a mountain. P4-5

POP SPOT SHOWBIZ

Steel Banglez’s Fashion Bollywood gets a taste Week in UK top ten. of Punjabi actors, singers. Page 14 Page 15 2 GULF TIMES Tuesday, April 16, 2019 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

PRAYER TIME Fajr 3.51am Shorooq (sunrise) 5.12am Zuhr (noon) 11.35am Asr (afternoon) 3.05pm Maghreb (sunset) 5.58pm Isha (night) 7.28pm

USEFUL NUMBERS The Last Prince of Atlantis part. Now Vincenzo wants to take his beautiful daughter DIRECTION :Vladlen Barbe Adrianna. The girl is against that, but for how much longer can CAST: Nikolay Drozdov, Stanislav Duzhnikov, Armen she resist? Police and gangsters serve Vincenzo. But money and Dzhigarkhanyan power are nothing when the real love comes around. SYNOPSIS: An old pearl-fi sher Bltazar is forced to sell his boat to wealthy man Don Vincenzo. But this is not the worst THEATRES: Landmark, The Mall Emergency 999 Worldwide Emergency Number 112 Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991 Local Directory 180 International Calls Enquires 150 Hamad International Airport 40106666 Labor Department 44508111, 44406537 Mowasalat Taxi 44588888 Qatar Airways 44496000 Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222, 44393333 Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation 44845555, 44845464 Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333 44593363 Qatar Assistive Technology Centre 44594050 Qatar News Agency 44450205 44450333 Q-Post – General Postal Corporation 44464444

Humanitarian Services Offi ce (Single window facility for the repatriation of bodies) Ministry of Interior 40253371, 40253372, 40253369 Ministry of Health 40253370, 40253364 Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365 Little the rest of her employees on a daily basis. She soon faces an Qatar Airways 40253374 CAST: Regina Hall, Issa Rae, Marsai Martin unexpected threat to her personal life and career when she DIRECTION: Tina Gordon magically transforms into a 13-year-old version of herself SYNOPSIS: A woman is transformed into her younger right before a do-or-die presentation. Jordan will now need to self at a point in her life when the pressures of adulthood rely on April more than ever, if April is willing to stop treating become too much to bear. Jordan is a take-no-prisoners tech Jordan like a 13-year-old child who has an attitude problem. mogul who torments her long-suff ering assistant, April, and THEATRES: The Mall ote Unquo u te Q “All I can The Mall Cinema (1): Shazam! Royal Plaza Cinema Palace control is myself and (2D) 2:30pm; Shazam! (2D) (1): Madhura Raja (Malayalam) 5pm; Shazam! (2D) 7:15pm; 2:30pm; Madhura Raja just keep having a positive Daght A’aly (Arabic) 9:30pm; (Malayalam) 5:15pm; Madhura attitude.” Kupathu Raja (Tamil) 11:30pm. Raja (Malayalam) 8pm; The Mall Cinema (2): Dumbo (Malayalam) 8:30pm; Hellboy Madhura Raja (Malayalam) — Rose Namajunas (2D) 2pm; Dumbo (2D) 4pm; (2D) 11:30pm. 11pm. Madhura Raja (Malayalam) Landmark Cinema (2): Royal Plaza Cinema Palace 6pm; Madhura Raja Madhura Raja (Malayalam) (2): Kupathu Raja (Tamil) (Malayalam) 8:45pm; Madhura 2:30pm; Madhura Raja 15:2pm; Shazam! (2D) 4:45pm; Raja (Malayalam) 11:30pm. (Malayalam) 5:15pm; Madhura Dragged Across Concrete The Mall Cinema (3): Madhura Raja (Malayalam) 8pm; (2D) 7:15pm; Barcelona Vs Raja (Malayalam) 2:30pm; Madhura Raja (Malayalam) Manchester United Uefa Dumbo (2D) 5pm; Little (2D) 11pm. Champions Legue (Live) 10pm. Community Editor 7pm; Hellboy (2D) 8:45pm; Landmark Cinema (3): Royal Plaza Cinema Palace Kamran Rehmat Lucifer (Malayalam) 11pm. Chitralahari (Telugu) 2pm; (3): Chitralahari (Telugu) e-mail: [email protected] Landmark Cinema (1): The Dumbo (2D) 4:45pm; Madhura 2:30pm; Dumbo (2D) 5:15pm; Raja (Malayalam) 6:45pm; Telephone: 44466405 Last Prince Of Atlantis (2D) After (2D) 7:15pm; Hellboy (2D) 2:15pm; Shazam! (2D) 4pm; Daght A’aly (Arabic) 9:30pm; 9:15pm; Manje Bistre 2 (Punjabi) Fax: 44350474 Dumbo (2D) 6:30pm; Lucifer Kupathu Raja (Tamil) 11:30pm. 11:30pm. Tuesday, April 16, 2019 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

The Pearl Qatar Triathlon 2019 hop, Ballet, Drawing and Painting, Drama WHERE: Qanat Quartier, The Pearl–Qatar Theatre & Taekwondo. Ages between 5 and 10 WHEN: April 19 years old after school hours. TIME: 6:45am – 9am Register for the fi nal event of Qatar Arabic Calligraphy Workshop National Triathlon Series, The Pearl–Qatar WHEN: Saturday – Wednesday Triathlon starting in Qanat Quartier of The TIME: 6pm Pearl–Qatar. Event will be having a sprint Arabic Calligraphy workshop is back. distance for individuals and teams. Come and learn the artistic practice of Arabic handwriting and calligraphy at Music and Arts Atelier. The lessons will take place every Saturday, Monday and Wednesday at 6pm. For more information, contact registration@ atelierqatar.com

EVENTS Artistic Gymnastic Classes WHERE: Qatar Academy Msheireb Hobby Classes Career Guidance WHEN: Ongoing WHERE: Mamangam Performing Art WHERE: Right Track Consultants, Al TIME: 3:15pm – 4:15pm Centre Sadd The olympic sport using horizontal bar, WHEN:Wednesday – Monday WHEN: Sunday – Thursday rings and fl oor exercises on mats for the Mamangam Performing Art Centre, is a TIME: 6pm – 8pm children from age 4 till 16. holistic performing arts institution and a one Career guidance for course, country, stop solution for adults as well as children college and entrance for students of Grade looking to explore their talents in various IX-XII, of all curriculum. Career assessments Ballet Lessons art forms. We off er classes in contemporary, administered for stream preference, career WHERE: Music and Arts Atelier Bollywood, hip hop, indian classical dance, test, branch preference, personality, WHEN: Ongoing music (Hindustani and Carnatic), arts and multiple intelligence and learning styles TIME: 4pm – 8pm craft, karate, yoga, percussion( Chenda, and productivity. For more information, For more info e-mail at registration@ Thimila, Elathalam and Madhalam), violin, 55448835. atelierqatar.com or call on 33003839. harmonium, public speaking. Additional services include dance Master Class of Authentic Indian Yoga education, choreograph music videos and (Ladies only) dance cover albums, choreograph dance WHERE: Oxygen Park, Qatar Foundation musical projects, corporate workshops and WHEN: April 19 events, choreograph events for schools, TIME: 6pm – 7:30pm colleges, alumni meets and corporate As part of Qatar-India 2019 Year of and choreography events. For details, call Culture celebration, Qatar Museums and 33897609. Qatar Foundation are pleased to inform that Indian Sports Centre, under the patronage Dr. Mashoor Gulati Clinic live in Doha Dance and Instrument Classes of Embassy of India, is conducting a Master WHERE: Al Dana Club, Doha, Qatar WHERE: TCA Campus, Behind Gulf Times class of authentic Indian Yoga. Class is WHEN: April 26 Building open to all female adult students of all TIME: 6pm – 10pm WHEN: Wednesday – Monday levels. Please wear comfortable and non- Witness the genius of Indian stand-up Learn the movements of dance styles in revealing clothes. Bring your own Yoga mat. comedian, Sunil Grover live as he plays his Bollywood, Hip Hop and also the musical Photography is not permitted. Admission is popular characters ‘Dr. Mashoor Gulati’ instruments such as Piano, Guitar, Keyboard free. To register: www.qf.org.qa/YOCyoga and ‘Gutthi’ from Kapil Sharma show. Sunil for adults as well kids and move in the world Grover will be performing live at Al Dana of music. For details, contact 66523871/ Club in Doha. 31326749.

Syria Matters Exhibition WHERE: Museum of Islamic Art WHEN: Ongoing till April 30 TIME: 9am – 7pm Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) in Doha Cycling: Losail Circuit Sports Club presents a major exhibition, co-curated by WHERE: Losail Circuit MIA Director Dr Julia Gonnella and Rania WHEN: Ongoing Abdellatif, as part of the MIA ten-year TIME: 5pm anniversary celebrations. Losail Circuit Sports Club, in association with Qatar Sports For All Federation, invites all cyclists, runners and walkers to train under the fl oodlights of Losail International Circuit every Wednesdays.

After School Activities WHERE: Atelier WHEN: Ongoing Music and arts activities for students taking place after they fi nish their day in school includes Group Music lessons, Hip-

Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Tuesday, April 16, 2019 COMMUNITY COVER STORY Needed: Rearguard action The world is losing monarch butterflies at a startling rate, as logging, herbicides and other human activities destroy natural habitats, writes Kate Linthicum

s a boy, Francisco Ramirez Cruz loved hiking with his grandfather up into the mountains of Acentral Mexico. While the old man grazed sheep or hunted for wild mushrooms, Ramirez would play amid the throngs of monarch butterfl ies that migrated 3,000 miles to this forest each autumn, turning the blue sky into a sea of orange. Ramirez is 75 now, himself a great-grandfather, and each winter he still goes looking for butterfl ies. But these days, he might spend hours searching the forest without catching sight of a single one. The world is losing monarch butterfl ies at a startling rate, as logging, herbicides and other human activities destroy natural habitats. But the biggest threat yet has only recently come into focus. Climate change, with its extreme storms, prolonged droughts and warming temperatures, is poised to eradicate the forest that serves as the butterfl y’s winter refuge. In the last two decades, the population of monarchs overwintering in Mexico has declined from an estimated 1 billion to fewer than 100 million. If they go extinct, it would mark the loss of one of the world’s few migratory insects. In the United States, conservationists have petitioned to have the monarch protected under the Endangered Species Act; a ruling is expected this year. SOS CALL: Thousands of Monarch butterflies cluster on the stems and branches of Oyamel firs that tower in and around the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere To help his beloved butterfl ies, Reserve, a national park about 60 miles north of Mexico City near La Mesa, Estado de Mexico. Ramirez has partnered with scientists on a monumental time. experiment: They are trying to Each fall, when the butterfl ies move an entire forest 1,000 feet up arrive as if by magic from Canada a mountain. and the eastern United States, On one of the scientists’ early gliding by the millions down over scouting trips to the region several the rolling hills of La Mesa, locals years ago, locals suggested they stop what they are doing and meet Ramirez, a respected farmer look up to admire them. They do with graying sideburns and a the same each spring, when the thin moustache who lives on a butterfl ies depart. It’s an idea that windswept hillside in Ejido La “In the early days, we didn’t Mesa, a community that overlaps know where they came from,” said may sound radical. with the Monarch Butterfl y Ramirez, who talks the way he Biosphere Reserve — a national moves — slowly and deliberately. But by the end park 70 miles west of Mexico City. “But we have always been so happy of the century it Known by the honorifi c “Don to see them.” Pancho,” Ramirez is a former He believes that protecting the may be absolutely elected leader of La Mesa and is butterfl y and its habitat will also hailed as a hero for helping to bring help protect his pueblo, which needed electricity to the area in the late depends on timber from the forest 1980s. Most importantly, he knows and the tourists that fl ock to the the forest intimately, thanks to the region to see the monarchs. —Cuauhtemoc time he spent there, starting in the He agrees with Cuauhtemoc 1950s. Saenz-Romero, a forest geneticist Saenz-Romero, Ramirez has seen the eff ects who has hired Ramirez to help with of climate change fi rsthand — the project, that it is necessary forest geneticist parched fi elds in the winter, violent to create an ecosystem where the thunderstorms in the summer butterfl ies will be able to survive. — and felt a calling to protect the “It’s an idea that may sound butterfl ies, whose annual arrival radical,” said Saenz-Romero. “But and departure have long helped the by the end of the century it may be community mark the passage of absolutely needed.” Tuesday, April 16, 2019 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY

The butterfl ies that winter here, known as eastern monarchs, seek sanctuary in the oyamel fi rs that tower in and around the reserve. The trees, known as “sacred fi rs” because their conical shape calls to mind hands clasped in prayer, off er a dense canopy that acts as an umbrella for the butterfl ies that cluster by the thousands on their trunks and branches. The oyamel protects the butterfl ies from chilly winter rains and creates a microclimate cold enough to keep the butterfl ies in a state of hibernation but not so frosty as to kill them. Scientists fear that climate change may kill off these firs altogether. A 2012 research paper co-authored by Saenz-Romero and published in the journal Forest Ecology and Management found that the area suitable for the oyamel is likely to diminish by 96 percent by 2090, and disappear completely within the reserve. The region is warming at such an accelerated pace that the trees won’t be able to adapt, scientists say, and will need help migrating to areas where the climate is predicted to be suitable for them in future years. Over the last several years, the team of researchers has overseen COMMITTED: Francisco Ramirez Cruz waters Oyamel fir saplings maturing in a greenhouse on his family’s ranch in La Mesa, Estado de Mexico. the relocation of about 1,000 fi r saplings that were growing at lower they paused to admire it. he said. “If we don’t do something the eff ects of an altered climate. in construction. altitudes up to higher — and cooler Up the mountain, they parked eventually about CO2s, eventually When Ramirez was growing up, it As jobs dried up, many locals had — elevations. and hiked a few minutes to the fi rst the new trees will be pushed off the used to rain from June to November. to migrate, just like the monarchs “We have to assist them,” said of two planting sites, a clearing that mountain too.” Now the rains arrive in July and do. That included two of Ramirez’s Saenz-Romero, a professor at had been created by a forest fi re La Mesa and the surrounding end in October. Not only is the wet sons, who toiled for a time in the the Michoacan University of St. three decades before. Rows of small areas haven’t contributed many season shorter, but it is also more United States, and several other Nicholas of Hidalgo. “They cannot trees were growing, each marked of the greenhouse gases that are brutal; the drier season is even family members who still live there. do this themselves.” by a pink plastic spoon stuck in transforming the climate. In fact, more dry. In a small chapel his father built Ramirez and the scientists have the dirt. In the 3 ½ years since the in many ways the region feels stuck Over the last couple of decades, on the farm, Ramirez and his wife become fast friends. When he scientists hired locals to help plant in a previous century, with dusty the area’s agriculture industry keep fresh fl owers and a framed helped them search for the right these saplings, the trees have grown burros that trudge up the pocked suff ered, partly because of warming picture of Toribio Romo Gonzalez, a location to plant the fi rst round from 7 inches to a stately 4 feet. two-lane highway, fi rewood piled and partly because of competition Catholic saint known as a protector of saplings, he insisted that the As Ramirez showed off the on their backs, and shepherds brought about by the North of immigrants. researchers stay on his farm, which plants, he grinned proudly. reclining in green pastures, one American Free Trade Agreement. The money sent back from off ers modest accommodations “Beautiful,” he said. eye on their fl ocks. Ramirez’s wife, Family-run corn and potato north of the border has funded (the toilet is fl ushed with a bucket) Ramirez and the scientists are Petra, whom he met half a century farms, which used to blanket the construction of opulent — if but heart-stopping vistas of snow- learning what the trees need to ago at a Day of the Dead celebration hillsides, couldn’t compete with architecturally discordant — homes covered peaks. survive. They have found, for in a nearby town, still cooks her US agribusiness. Ramirez stopped in La Mesa, their archways and In the middle of Ramirez’s example, that trees are more likely chicken mole in a pan over an open planting corn because it became turrets standing out amid the orchard of apple and plum trees, to live if planted under the shade of fi re. cheaper to buy it. For many years, typical adobe and concrete shacks. the scientists helped him construct nearby “nurse” plants. They hope But La Mesa is clearly suff ering he lived in Mexico City and worked – Los Angeles Times/TNS a small greenhouse, where he tends to expand the project and establish to several dozen saplings that were the trees at even higher altitudes on taken from the forest and will other nearby mountains — seeding eventually be replanted. ecosystems now that monarchs In the last two On a recent blustery morning, could potentially use later if he watered the trees with a hose temperatures continue to rise. decades, the while listening to the sentimental So-called assisted migration is ranchera songs drifting from the happening in other parts of the population house of a nearby neighbour. Then world, including Canada, where of monarchs he slowly folded himself into the commercial forestry operations passenger seat of Saenz-Romero’s have begun replacing dead overwintering silver pickup truck, and they lodgepole pines with a species headed up the mountain to check of larch that grows at lower and in Mexico has on the trees that had already been drier elevations. Plant moving planted. is controversial among some declined from They made an unlikely pair — scientists, who warn of unintended an estimated 1 the farmer in a straw cowboy hat consequences when humans and the city-dwelling scientist in intervene in nature’s course, but billion to fewer a jaunty black beret — but on the it is increasingly seen as a needed 45-minute drive on a rutted dirt response to a rapidly changing than 100 million. road, Ramirez and Saenz-Romero climate. made easy conversation. They “There’s no doubt that things are If they go extinct, talked about a mudslide years going to change,” said Chip Taylor, it would mark earlier that had killed several people a retired ecology professor in and taken down many fi r trees, Kansas and the director of Monarch the loss of one of and they discussed the rain (there Watch, which runs a butterfl y hadn’t been any recently). tagging program. The experiment the world’s few At one point, Ramirez gestured in Mexico, if successful, is a short- with a roughened hand toward a term solution, he said. But it’s an migratory insects vast pine tree at a bend in the road; important one. he remembered it from his youth. “What these measures do is give Saenz-Romero slowed the car and us time to address climate change,” SIGNPOST: A wooden sign points to the entrance of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. 6 GULF TIMES Tuesday, April 16, 2019 COMMUNITY

ICBF recognises prominent social workers in Doha Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF) recently conducted ICBF Day 2019. P Kumaran, Sharma, Dr K M Bahauddeen, Dr Uma Pandiyan, Khalid Hoyilath and K K Sankaran. Also the Ambassador of India, was the chief guest at the event. The event was organised to recognise and appreciation awards were given to Al Abeer Medical Centre, Al Sultan Medical Centre, KIMS Qatar felicitate the prominent social workers in Qatar, who are working in close association with ICBF Medical Centre, Well Care Group, IMARA Health Centre, Indian Doctors Club, Federation of Indian and government institutions in Qatar. Nurses in Qatar and Anjan Kumar Ganguly. The ICBF-M Kanjani Award 2019 was presented to Mohamed Althaf, Regional Director of LuLu Speaking on the occasion, the Indian ambassador appreciated ICBF for the work it has been Group, for his continued support to ICBF and community in general for past many years. KP doing for the benefits of the blue-collar workers of the community. He also appreciated all Abdul Hameed Social Service award was presented to Dr Adv Nizar Kochery. For long term awardees for their service for the humanitarian cause. service to the community, two of the senior most veterans of the community, including A K The event was attended by notable personalities, including S R H Fahmi, ICBF Co-ordinating Usman and Kareem Abdullah, were felicitated on the occasion. Off icer and First Secretary at Embassy of India, along with the presidents of various Ambassador P Kumaran also felicitated Brigadier Abdullah Khalifa al-Muftah, Director of Public organisations, including ICC, ISC, Apex Bodies managing committee members, leaders and Relations Department of Ministry of Interior, for his overwhelming support to the expatriate members of Indian community. community and ICBF. Speaking on the occasion, Abdullah Khalifa al-Muftah thanked ICBF and P N Baburajan, President of ICBF, welcomed the gathering. Managing committee members of Ambassador and remembered his close association with ICBF and Indian community for long ICBF, including Mahesh Gowda, Avinash Gaikwad, Subramanya Hebbaglu, Santosh Kumar Pillai, time and assured his continuous support. Juttas Paul, Ranjani Murty, Senthil Agastheeswaran and past MC members Sameer Hassan For the recognition of humanitarian services, Humanitarian Awards were presented to Dr Rajeev Mousa and Mala Krishnan introduced the awardees to the audience.

Doha College marks Annual Global Money Week Doha College recently organised Annual Global Money Week (GMW). Doha College hosted various engaged with the students in various activities and explained about various concepts, including guest speakers to teach the students of Grade V about money matters. GMW, an initiative of saving, budgeting, investing, and the financial aspects of most day-to-day events. the Child and Youth Financial International organisation based in the Netherlands, is a financial The week-long programme was complimented with ‘Enterprise Week’ which was featured awareness campaign built to inspire children and young people to learn about money, careers and speakers from INJAZ Qatar. entrepreneurship. Aisha Mohammed al-Rashad, part of a specialised technical team from QFMA who visited Doha Visitors from various institutes, including Qatar Financial Markets Authority (QFMA), Qatar Financial College, said that QFMA’s awareness-raising activities aim at increasing the level of youth culture to Centre, Mazars, Qatar Stock Exchange, TMF Group, Al Rayan Investment and Qatar National Bank improve their financial skills, including raising income, spending, savings and investment. Tuesday, April 16, 2019 GULF TIMES 7 COMMUNITY

Nepali parliamentarian visits Qatar

Pushpa Bhusal, Nepali Kumar Yakthumba. Speaking Parliamentarian, recently attended on the occasion, Bhusal said a special programme hosted by that everyone should love their Arghakhachi Service Society (ASS) country wherever one goes. on the embassy premises. Bhusal She also highlighted the role of was in Qatar to participate in 140th the embassy of Nepal in Qatar International Assembly of Inter- on strengthening the bilateral Parliamentary Union (IPU). The ties between Qatar and Nepal. event was chaired by Tekraj Thapa, She thanked the government Chairman of ASS. of Qatar for hosting more than The event was attended by 400 thousand Nepali employees, notable community leaders, and requested the non-resident including Thakur Kumar Pariyar, Nepalese community to strictly Kranti Singh, Kedar Bhusal, Ram follow the rules and regulations Prasad Parajuli, Keshav Bhusal, of the host country. – Text and Sudip Pandey and Birendra photo by Usha Wagle Gautam

IIEE-SQC conducts workshop

The Integrated Institute of Registration (AAPER) Committee. Electrical Engineers – State including Dr Florigo C Varona, of Qatar Chapter (IIEE-SQC) Chairman of AAPER Committee; recently organised APEC /ASEAN Larry C Cruz, past Chairman of Engineering Registry Orientation AAPER Committee; Dr Cirilo C Workshop at The Westin Doha Calibjo, National President and Hotel and Spa. The workshop member; and Robert U Mabulay, was organised in support of member of AAPER Committee. the campaign to promote the The workshop was attended by ASEAN integration programme over 60 people. while highlighting the global Rudilyn S Reyes, Vice President for competitiveness of Filipino Technical Aff airs of IIEE-SQC, along engineers. with Mario B Morales, President of The event was attended by notable IIEE-SQC, and Erwin S Peniones, personalities from the IIEE’s Asean Chairman of IIEE-SQC, organised and Asia-Pacific Engineering the event.

ABP hosts Health Awareness Fair and a Blood Donation Campaign

Under the umbrella of Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Pre-University Education (PUE), the Academic are an indication of the sense of social responsibility toward others among Qatar’s people. ABP Bridge Programme (ABP) recently hosted a Health Awareness Fair and a Blood Donation emphasises the importance of participating in events that provide a service to the community, and Campaign for the students and faculty members. we were therefore keen to host the National Blood Donation Campaign.” Students, faculty members and the staff of ABP participated in the campaign. Rashid al-Marri, Hamad Medical Corporation provided medical staff and a van to donate blood under the Events Co-ordinator at ABP, said, “The Health Awareness Fair and the blood donation campaign supervision of the Qatar Foundation’s Health, Safety, Security and Environment directorate. 8 GULF TIMES Tuesday, April 16, 2019 COMMUNITY BC Toastmasters Club marks Youth Leadership Programme

BC Toastmasters Club recently organised an event to initiate its Youth Leadership Programme (YLP) at The Next Generation School (TNG). The event kicked off with an hour long training by VC Mashood, Area Director under Division B, featuring various activities, which was followed by speeches by Tariro D Matibiri, winner of recently held division level International speech contest, and Shainy Kabeer, District Retention Chair.

DPS-MIS organises blood donation drive

As part of its community welfare drive, DPS-Modern Indian School (DPS-MIS), in collaboration with Hamad Medical Centre (HMC), recently organised a blood donation drive. Sixty-one staff members of DPS-MIS took part in the blood donation drive. “The institution with its motto ‘service before self’ always believes in giving back to the society in a larger way. We will continue to associate ourselves with such initiatives in the near future,” said Asna Nafees, Principal of DPS-MIS. Hamad Medical Centre appreciated the initiative and enthusiasm of the DPS-MIS employees.

DPS-MIS organises orientation session on ‘School Counselling’

DPS-Modern Indian School (DPS-MIS) recently organised an orientation session on ‘School workshop helped the teachers get familiar with the importance of the role of counsellors in the Counselling’ for its faculty members. Aisma Iqbal and Lubna Mehmood gave an insight to the school who facilitate the students deal with their inner conflict or problems at their own levels methodologies adapted by the school for counselling the students in need. The workshop was which they find diff icult to share with their family, peers or teachers on grounds of being mocked attended by all the members of the teaching fraternity. or judged. Emphasis was also laid on awareness required within the classroom and outside, The presentation delivered by the counsellors helped the teachers enhance their knowledge on spotting any behavioural change in the student. The speakers also laid stress on record keeping to identifying students who need counselling, grounds of counselling and level of counselling. The analyse the improvement graph of the students.

BPS marks Ambedkar Jayanti

The Social Science Department of Birla Public Section, also spoke on the occasion, which School (BPS) recently organised an event to was followed by a collage making competition mark Ambedkar Jayanti, an annual festival and exhibition. observed on 14 April to commemorate the Speaking on the occasion, A P Sharma, memory of B R Ambedkar, Indian jurist, Principal of BPS, congratulated everyone economist, politician and social reformer. on the occasion and highlighted the Paridhi Gaur and Elizabeth Tissa Jose, both achievements of Dr B R Ambedkar for the students of Grade VII at BPS, delivered a making of the Indian Constitution. The event speech on the occasion. The event featured was attended by Radhika Rele, Bhavna S a presentation by Rushali Nair, a student of V and Rajesh Pillai, Vice Principals at BPS, Grade IX, about the contributions of Bhim Rao and Divya Mary Vincent, Head Mistress. Ambedkar and a video presentation by the The programme was organised under students of Grade VI-IX. A special quiz was the guidance of Rekha George, Head of also organised for the students of Grade-X. Department of Social Science Department, Thomas John, Head Master Secondary and Saju James, Deputy HoD. Tuesday, April 16, 2019 GULF TIMES 9 COMMUNITY ICC hosts classical dancers for performance

The visiting artistes and dancers from India recently performed Nrityabithi Batayan, including School of Kathak at Lucknow Gharana and later into Bharatanatyam before he completely shifted Mohiniyattam, Kuchipudi and Odissi, and Nrityashrinkala, a Bharatanatyam performance, at in Odissi, is a soloist in Odissi. The performers from Chennai included Bismillah Khan Awardee Ashoka Hall of Indian Cultural Centre. Over 100 people attended the event. The performers from Uma Nambudripad Satya Narayanan, Vidya Ravindran Anand and Jai Quehaeni Reddy. They all Kolkata, included Kalamandalam Swarnadipa Mahanta, Subha Jena and Sumanjit Chakraborty. have extensively performed in India as well as on International arena. Swarnadipa Mahanta has performed and conducted Mohiniyattam workshops in various Manikantan AP, President of ICC, felicitated the performers. Anjan Ganguli, Joint Secretary of ICC, European countries. Subha Jena, classical dancer, has previously performed all over India under welcomed the gathering and conducted the event. Vinod Nair, Vice President of ICC, introduced Ministry of Culture EZCC &ICCR and Sumanjit Chakraborty who initially started his training in the the performers, and Nirmala Shanmugapandian, Cultural Co-ordinator, proposed a vote of thanks.

Galfar Al Misnad conducts Annual Safe Drive Campaign Galfar Al Misnad recently concluded its Safe Drive Campaign 2019 with a closing ceremony HSE Manager; and Tara Kelly, trainer from DISS HSE Training Institute. and an awareness session for its staff at Oryx Rotana Hotel. The event was attended by notable The campaign also included detailed safety awareness sessions that were conducted by Parag personalities, including Lt. Ahmed al-Kathiri and Lt Eid Muhammed al-Hajri, Traff ic Awareness Gaikwad, HSE Off icer, over three weeks at company project sites, camps, and off ices; for all Off icers, and Faisal al-Hudawi, Community Reach Out Off ice Co-ordinator. drivers, operators, and staff . Galfar Al Misnad has been conducting the campaign on yearly basis since 2006, with the “Our aim is zero harm to our employees and through this campaign, we hope to contribute to intention to inculcate a culture of best driving practices and defensive driving amongst building a better and safer driving environment in Qatar,” said Anwar Sadath, Head of Galfar Al employees, and thereby reduce traff ic accidents and violations. Misnad Plant Division. Addressing the gathering, Lt Ahmed al-Kathiri appreciated the management of Galfar Al Misnad Inaugurating the event, Anwar said that this awareness campaign has resulted in a consistent for continuously organising traff ic awareness programmes for their employees. He emphasised reduction in accidents and violations over the years. Satish G Pillai, Executive Director of Galfar that these kinds of campaigns contribute in reducing the number of traff ic accidents and Al Misnad, called upon employees to strive to further bring down accidents and violations by at deaths. He urged Galfar employees to abide by the traff ic rules and regulations strictly, and to least 50% in the coming year. support and co-operate with the Traff ic Department to make roads safer. More than 850 drivers, operators, and staff members participated in various awareness Staff members of Galfar asked various questions about traff ic rules, licence procedures and sessions. At the end of each programme, the best drivers and operators were recognised traff ic violations in an interactive session with the MoI delegates. The event also included based on their safety records. The Plant Department also conducted an online quiz for all various other informative presentations on safe driving practices, presented by Hemachandran its staff members on driving safety. The winners were felicitated with awards at the closing S, Senior General Manager Infrastructure Division of Galfar Al Misnad; Venkatesan Kulandaivelu, ceremony.

Doha-resident takes part in UN ECOSOC Forum to discuss climate change

Economic and Social Council Intiqab and Saff ran initiated and (ECOSOC) Youth Forum delegates, moderated the discussion on including Intiqab Rawoof and ‘RoadMap to 2030: Youth and Saff ran Minhar, Global Youth Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs)’. Activists and former SUN Force Primary areas of discussion, SDG Brigade Volunteers, recently included key changes to the next participated in United Nations set of VNRs review post 2020 and ECOSOC Forum to discuss climate the HLPF Structure. The event was change issues, convened by co-organised by Earth Lanka and President of the United Nations Restless Development, hosted by Economic and Social Council held Permanent Mission of Denmark to at UN Headquarters New York. the United Nations in New York. Both the delegates encouraged Earth Lanka Youth Network, a the action and explored collective member of youth led organisations measures to mitigate the risks across the globe has recognised associated with climate change. Intiqab as one of the top 100 most Intiqab Rawoof, a Sri Lankan influential youth of the world. expatriate living in Qatar, highlighted More than 1,000 young leaders and the recent activities of Earth Lanka advocates at the United Nations and the Embassy of Poland in called on the global community Qatar in a joint partnership on the to deliver on their promise of a theme of Green City, a photography future that is sustainable, safe and contest and exhibition. equitable. 10 GULF TIMES Tuesday, April 16, 2019 COMMUNITY PHOTO ESSAY

Photography as a sport

As part of my regular trips for photography of nature, I went down to Zekreet is a sport, as in an activity where you walk, stretch, climb and carry heavy gear – about 80km from Doha, just to have a good time and enjoy the drive away too! from the city and traffi c, but also to take some photos with friends who share For instance, for these photos in Zekreet in the north-western area Qatar my passion for nature, wildlife and photography. Any type of camera can take near Dukhan, we walked once we arrived from 2pm until 5:30pm, for about great photos, especially now that we live apparently with a camera attached 4.4km – we knew because one of my friend’s new watch counted the distance with phones in our hands or pocket. By the way, some of the phone cameras exactly. That’s why I love photography. By the way, spots like Zekreet is great nowadays have such great features that we could never dream of earlier. for star gazing or full moon photography since you are away from the city light. I endorse the idea of the positive eff ect of photography and environment The camera used here is Canon 1DX MK2 & Canon 16 35 lens. — Photos and about two decades back. However, I can strongly believe that now photography text by Khaled Zaki, Padi Ambassadiver and a master instructor. Tuesday, April 16, 2019 GULF TIMES 11 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY Safe workout, fitness tips for pregnant women ne of the biggest Relying on workout videos is not muscles but also help you perform stereotypes in advisable. You may be doing it the strength exercises better. our society is that wrong with no one to correct you. — Nutrition: If you’re working pregnant women Also, don’t trust your coach blindly. out but not keeping your nutrition should avoid anything Ask questions such as the names in check then the workout will do strenuousO but keeping fi t during of the exercises, muscles involved, you more bad than good. On top of the nine months is one of the most benefi ts. Focus on learning. that if you’re pregnant and working important factors that keeps the — Always do it under out then you will need a well mother and baby healthy. Do cardio supervision. formulated diet to keep you healthy. and don’t shy away from strength — Be patient: Results don’t show So here are a few things you should training, say experts overnight. You have got to keep keep in mind. Certifi ed nutritionist Kartikey working on yourself everyday. — Don’t run away from fat. It Bhandari and fi tness professional You’ll defi nitely see results if you has a lot of functions in your body Shivam Bhandari have doled out train properly, rest adequately and including hormone production tips for a safe workout and fi tness eat nutritious food. If any of the and regulation, transportation during pregnancy. three are missing, results tend to and absorption of fat soluble — Planning the workout: If you slow down. vitamins, regeneration of the workout already and just do cardio, — Don’t just stick to one type covering of your nerves, building you might consider incorporating of workout: Strength training is up of your cell membrane. A diet strength training to your regime. It not all you need. To be able to lacking in adequate good quality will help you build muscle which move better you need to mobilise of fats can lead to health issues in will in turn help you carry the baby properly before any workout. To the long run. around and deal with all the stress maintain or even increase your — Proteins are the building in your workout schedule. Apart care of your hair and nails as well. on your back during pregnancy. flexibility, you need to do the blocks for our body. You need it to from that, protein also helps to — Micro nutrients include — Start slow: Before doing any required stretches. Stretching and preserve your muscle mass and/ strengthen your immune system, vitamins and minerals. Keep a exercise, make sure your form is mobilising will not only help you or to increase your muscle mass contribute to production of check on your micro nutrient correct. Seek professional help. release all the stiffness in your if you have resistance training hormones and enzymes, takes profile every month.

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

If you’ve been considering a career in writing or teaching, Aries, You aren’t one to put much stock in the meanings of dreams, but you You’re peerless when it comes to your ability to sway others to your this is an ideal day to put some plans into motion. Your imagination may have had a dream recently that was so accurate in its prediction point of view, Gemini. Today you may be put on the spot and asked and inspiration are highlighted, as is your facility with words. This as to be almost scary. Certainly it was uncanny. Write down to defend a position in front of many people. You will do just fine, combination pretty much guarantees that you could sell anything everything you remember about it and then discuss the images with surprising everyone but you. You handle a microphone with ease to anyone. If you’re ready to pitch a book proposal to a publisher, do a friend. Don’t worry, Taurus, your friend won’t laugh at you. It’s more and work an audience until they’re putty in your hands. You could it now. than likely you will receive some telling insights. sell anything! CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

Don’t be surprised if you get a sudden windfall today, Cancer. It may You have a quick mind, Leo, which you don’t use to anywhere near A day off is just what the doctor ordered, Virgo. Try to get some rest. come in the form of cash. More likely it will be an opportunity of its full capacity. Think of your brain as a thoroughbred horse, trained Spend time curled up with a good book. Only go out with friends some kind. Perhaps a business partner has suggested you branch to run at high speed. This type of animal is miserable if kept penned if you’re feeling absolutely stir crazy. You should do no work. Your into a more lucrative area. Perhaps you decide to go into business up, unable to run and stretch. Your mind needs similar room to body and spirit crave a break. Take care of your basic need to refresh for yourself. Whatever it is, you’re bound to succeed. From business stretch and grow. If new challenges don’t come your way, you may yourself. Everything else will fall into place afterward. and creative standpoints, this is a most auspicious time for you. have to create some of your own. It’s a shame to sit idle. LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS September 23 — October 22 October 23 — November 21 November 22 — December 21

With today’s planetary energies, Libra, you can expect a lot of You have a keen intellect and unparalleled persuasive powers, Your mental powers should be especially acute today, Sagittarius. contact with friends. In fact, just when you thought you’d never Scorpio. If you aren’t an attorney, you should be. All signs indicate Your mind will be quick and receptive and your communicative receive another invitation or attend another party, one comes your that your career is about to skyrocket. Career and financial success abilities exceptionally sharp. You feel on top of the world, as though way. Even though you may feel partied out right now, resist the urge are pretty much guaranteed with today’s planetary configuration. If you could sell anything to anybody! Make the most of this surge to decline. You’re likely to meet a very interesting person at this next you have a mate to share this good fortune with, consider yourself of intellectual power by beginning any new projects you’ve been bash. doubly blessed. considering. CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

Your creativity will be high today, Capricorn, inspiring you to paint Today you’re going to want to shut out the world and be alone Today indicates that you can expect to make a leap in your career, or write. If you’re unable to take time to satisfy your muse, at least with your thoughts, Aquarius. You’re caught up in the introspective Pisces. Your intellect and communicative skills have served you well in take some small steps to ensure your abilities don’t lie fallow. How energies at play. You may not be very co-operative, and may even the past months, paving the way for advancement. You may decide to about signing up for a class or joining a writing group? The ongoing wish to spend time on more solitary activities. Indulge yourself. You try hard to be sure the promotion occurs. You might work extra hours contact and support will give your talents a big boost. might want to take time alone to meditate. Listen to yourself. You’re and decide to commit to some new projects so the higher-ups can see likely to be on the verge of a major self-discovery. how eager you are. 12 GULF TIMES Tuesday, April 16, 2019 COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES

Wordsearch Adam

Pooch Cafe BEAU DRIVE DATE PARTNER MEAL CLUB BOWLING EVENING DINNER PLEASURE MEETING CONCERT CABARET FRIENDS DRINK RESTAURANT MOVIE DANCE CINEMA HAPPY

Codeword Every letter of the alphabet is used at least once. Squares with the same number in have the same letter in. Work out which number represents which letter.

Garfield Puzzles courtesy: Puzzlechoice.com courtesy: Puzzles

Sudoku

Bound And Gagged

Sudoku is a puzzle based on a 9x9 grid. The grid is also divided into nine (3x3) boxes. You are given a selection of values and to complete the puzzle, you must fill the grid so that every column, every anone is repeated. Tuesday, April 16, 2019 GULF TIMES 13 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Super Cryptic Clues Colouring

Across Down 1 Communications from dining 2 Cost of putting swans in river room taking a long time (8) (7) 6 Crazy about beastly mother 3 Blue pole with notice attached (3) (3) 9 After a dance Edward had 4 Agrees about musical (6) aspirations (5) 5 Did Lamb write his essays with 10 It’s glee that’s upset a writer these enclosures? (5,4) of sad poems (7) 6 Take the car from where it 11 Sort of non-swim fish? (7) may be parked? (5) 13 Squeeze applied to 7 Chess wins for pals (5) newspapers? (5) 8 Demons following church 14 The colour Anne is turning primates (6) (6) 12 Unpleasant debts after 15 Underground store for a broadcast on box (9) vendor, so we hear (6) 16 A boat that’s not so heavy (7) 19 Take over, making queen 17 Answer provided by cross (5) laboratory vessel (6) 21 Stormy night is visible (7) 18 Seat is put out for a rest after 22 Tiresome work outside (7) lunch (6) 23 Ministry of Transport’s 19 Social worker is joining those alternative car (5) in opposition (5) 24 State, for example (3) 20 An Enid Blyton character 25 One who will feel at home in would appear strange in New Madrid - and Paris, perhaps (8) York (5) 23 Me in France and around the Isle of Man (3) Answers

Wordsearch Codeword Yesterday’s Solutions 14 GULF TIMES Tuesday, April 16, 2019 COMMUNITY POP SPOT Steel Banglez’s Fashion Week in UK top ten chart

Bad-boy-done-good” Punjabi words and bhangra music is how some critics have into some of his tracks. This united described English producer diff erent communities and brought and solo artiste Steel me the kind of attention which led Banglez. to a record deal with Warners. “Born Pahuldip Singh Sandhu in “I’d spent some time with Metro the Forest Gate area of London, Boomin and other producers from Steel Banglez began producing Atlanta. They told me I needed to music in his early teens. This was become a brand. I felt reluctant thanks to a schoolteacher, Miss. but I could see the attention they Konan, who introduced him to the were getting and the money they Fruity Loops Studio digital audio were making. That’s how I came to workstation. release music as Steel Banglez.” “I’d been into music all my life,” 2017 saw him test the market stated 32-year-old Pahuldip. “I had with a pair of singles, Money and a musical mum and dad. My mum Bad. The latter peaked at number was actually a music teacher. We 29 on the UK chart and earned him had traditional Indian instruments a gold disc. like a harmonium and tablas around He also produced some hugely the house. She would play these successful tracks, most notably and also blast out Bollywood movie Fisherman for J Hus, MoStack and soundtracks. MIST, Screw & Bew for MoStack “But I was much more interested and MIST and No Worries for Dave in hip hop. My older brother started and MoStack. This led to Steel DJing so I also started DJing. By the Banglez being named Producer of time I was 13, I had my own show on the Year in the GRM Daily Rated a pirate radio station called Mystic Awards. FM. “I’d actually left the awards “Miss. Konan giving me Fruity THRILLED: Steel Banglez, real name Pahuldip Singh, says he did not expect such a big mainstream hit. show before I was announced Loops changed my life. That as the winner because I was so combined with having Darren “I didn’t want to be in prison But I read a lot about Sikhism and beat for two years. sure I wasn’t going to win. I feel Dixon as my next door neighbour. but it kind of worked out to be a being Punjabi. I learned so much His recovery came about after claustrophobic when I’m around a Music fans will know him as the blessing. You are allowed to have a about my cultural heritage.” hearing MoStack’s track, No Buddy. lot of people. I think this is a result grime legend D Double E. The fi rst keyboard in prison and mine would The quality of his work with “I just knew he was going to of my time in prison. I feel most song I produced was his track, also record. Yung Meth and Fix Dot’M led to blow. I made contact via social comfortable on my own or with two Dreams. “Fellow inmates were the rappers production opportunities with media and the prospect of working or three people max.” “My friendship with D Double E Yung Meth, Fix Dot’M and Colours other artistes such as Ghetts, Wiley, with him kind of snapped me out of Steel Banglez won the award got me into things like raves even Miyagi. We’d make music together Not3s, Krept & Konan, Yungen and my depression. I could create songs again last year. In addition to though I was legally too young. and create tracks. I also got to study Chip. His career was progressing again and produced all of MoStack’s his work with artistes such as It also got me respected by other music. When I got out, I messaged well until the deportation of his Gangster With Banter mixtape. This MIST, MoStack and Not3s, he established artistes. They would Meth on MySpace. He was blowing friend Cashief Nichols, better was back in 2015.” also released two more of his listen when I said I had a beat and up at that time and was part of known to music fans as Cashtastic. Further inspiration came own singles, Your Lovin” and Hot respect me even more after they Giggs’ crew. Everything took off for “We’d worked together building from his association with the Steppa. But he could hardly have heard the music. This is how my me from there.” his career. He’d signed a major Birmingham rapper MIST. He been prepared for the remarkable second song was producing a free- Prison was also where Pahuldip label deal with Universal and I’d produced MIST’s breakthrough EP, UK top ten chart success of his style by Big H for the Practice Hours was given the name Steel Banglez. produced his debut album. Then MIST to the T, and later executive latest single, Fashion Week. DVD. I was just 14.” “I’m from a Sikh family. My came the deportation order. Cash produced his Warner Bros. major “I have MoStack and AJ Tracey His burgeoning production parents came to England a few was sent back to Jamaica, his album label debut, Diamond in the Dirt. He on the track. I love the fl ows from career was interrupted three years years before I was born to escape wasn’t released and I entered what was also considering the possibility them. They gelled amazingly well later when he was imprisoned on the civil war in the Punjab. I got I call the mad depressed stage of of releasing music under his own in the studio. It’s all about bringing fi rearms charges. called Steel Banglez because of the my life. name. two artistes together for the love “I was sentenced to six and a half Sikh bracelets, karas, I wear on my “My mind froze. I’d worked “I didn’t really want to put of music and the love of the fans. years in jail but served three. This wrists. myself to exhaustion. I was so upset myself out there. I was happiest I didn’t really expect such a big was 2005 to 2008 so I missed what “I also read a great deal while I by what happened to Cash. I had behind the scenes. But my life had mainstream hit but we’re very would have been my university was in jail. Everything from books a brand new studio and I couldn’t been changed through the work I pleased to have it and hope there years. on investment banking to astrology. make any tunes. I didn’t make a did with MIST. We incorporated will be many more in the future.”

The girls, Jisoo, Jennie, Rose and Lisa, Soul, hit number one in 2004. which her first album, Invasion of Privacy, are part way through their In Your Area Billie’s album also took top spot on debuted atop the Billboard 200. in brief world tour. They are about to begin the the Billboard 200. But it is on the Hot 100 North American leg with further dates singles chart where she has set a new US Marina scheduled for Europe and Australia. record. Unlike the UK where artistes are now There must be concern for the fate Blackpink Kill This Love also broke the record Billie Eilish limited to just three singles chart entries, of Marina’s upcoming fourth studio previously held by fellow K-pop artiste there is no restriction on the number of album, Love + Fear. Blackpink have only been around Psy with Gentleman for the fastest music A UK chart record was set by tracks which can feature in Billboard’s Formerly known as Marina and The since August, 2016. But the South video to register 100 million views. American singer / songwriter Billie Eilish. Hot 100. Billie set a new mark for a female Diamonds, she has already issued three Korean all-girl K-pop quartet have swiftly Blackpink took just two days and 14 At just 17 years, three months and 18 days solo artiste with 14 songs on the chart. singles from the album. None made any become one of the hottest acts on the hours to reach that mark while Psy had old, Billie became the youngest female 12 of the 13 tracks on her album made impression on the UK chart. Perhaps international music market. taken three days. artist to top the UK album chart. the list, Goodbye just missed out, and she will have more luck with the newly The video for their latest single, Kill These are not Blackpink’s first entries By achieving pole position with her these were joined by previously released released To Be Human. This Love, set two new YouTube records. in the YouTube record book. The video debut studio album, When We Fall Asleep, songs, Lovely, a duet with Khalid, and A song of which Marina is With 56.7 million views, it surpassed for their 2018 single, DDU-DU DDU-DU, is Where Do We Go?, Billie took the record Ocean Eyes. intensely and justifiably proud, Ariana Grande’s Thank u, Next by 1.3 the most watched by a K-pop group. The previously held by Joss Stone. She was 17 Billie eclipsed the record of Cardi the accompanying video can million to become the most watched number currently stands at more than years, five months and 28 days old when B who had 13 songs in the Hot 100 of be seen at www.youtube.com/ video in the first 24 hours after release. 750 million views. her second studio album, Mind, Body & April 21, 2018. This was also the week in watch?v=DM8Tm9ycGz4 Tuesday, April 16, 2019 GULF TIMES 15 SHOWBIZ COMMUNITY Bollywood gets a taste of Punjabi actors, singers

By Simran Sethi

rom singers to actors and comedians, Hindi showbiz has seen an increase in NEW TUNES: Madonna has given her fans a sense of what infl ux of young and talented her new tunes may sound like. Punjabi artistes over the past coupleF of years. Madonna announces new album Madame X Last year, singer Jassie Gill made his acting debut in Bollywood with the After months of hinting that new music was on the fi lm Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi. He is now way, singer Madonna has fi nally revealed the name of an gearing up for the release of another upcoming project. Hindi fi lm titled Panga, which has She has given her fans a sense of what her new tunes Kangana Ranaut in the lead. may sound like via some tantalising social media posts, Directed by Ashwini Iyer Tiwari, reports forbes.com Panga revolves around female kabaddi The singer uploaded a video to both Instagram and players and the trials they face. Twitter on April 14, in which she shared that she has On his shift from Punjabi to Hindi decided to name her new album Madame X, though she cinema, Jassie said that he is on doesn’t state when it may arrive. “learning mode” right now. The name seems to refer to a character, or perhaps an “It is my starting stage, so I am alter ego that Madonna has created, who she describes as learning a lot now. It is a great industry “a secret agent / travelling around the world / changing and the best thing is that they welcome identities / fi ghting for freedom / bringing light to dark fresh talent with open arms. It is great places”. that artistes from Punjab are getting a Madonna then shares a list of descriptions that seem to chance to showcase their talent and I fi t this Madame X character, including calling her “a cha am happy that the industry is open and cha instructor, a professor, a head of state, a housekeeper, welcoming the new talent.” an equestrian, a prisoner, a student, a teacher, a nun, a Punjabi singers and actors Ammy cabaret singer, and a saint”. Virk and Harrdy Sandhu are also set to CANDID: Jassie Gill says that it is great that the industry welcomes fresh talent with The fi rst list of descriptors was posted on April 13, while make their acting debut in Bollywood open arms. a handful of videos, including the one where she shares in Ranveer Singh-starrer ‘83. The fi lm, that Madame X is indeed the name of what will be her next presented by Reliance Entertainment, is even left made Akshay and producer like Phillauri and Soorma, and he will full-length, went up on April 14. based on India’s iconic win in the 1983 Karan Johar teary-eyed. now be seen in Good News and Arjun The visual is soundtracked by what is likely a song Cricket World Cup. Year 2019 will also see the entry of Patiala. Diljit had once said that he featured on the album, where Madonna sings: The thing They are currently busy training in popular Punjabi actress Sonam Bajwa had a notion that a “Sardar can’t be that hurts the most / is that I wasn’t lost, with autotune Dharamsala for their roles. in Bollywood. She is a part of Varun a successful actor in Bollywood”, but added for special eff ect. – IANS “You all gave me so much love Dhawan and Shraddha Kapoor-starrer looking at his popularity and credits, it that I am all set to make my debut in dance based fi lm Street Dancer 3D. seems he has been proven wrong. Bollywood. Shukar Waheguru,” Ammy Talking of Punjabi talent creating On his Bollywood journey, Diljit had tweeted. waves in Bollywood, one can’t forget said: “People told me to get rid of my Interestingly, both Ammy and gems like Diljit Dosanjh, Badshah, Guru turban or not become an actor. Back Harrdy had marked their singing debut Randhawa and Honey Singh, who have then I knew that I would be okay to give in Bollywood before their acting stint. successfully carved their niche in the up fi lms, but not my turban. But it has Ammy lent his voice to the industry in the recent past. been very rewarding. song Daryaa in Anurag Kashyap’s In an earlier interview, singer-actor “The kind of trust such big Manmarziyaan in 2018, while Harrdy Diljit said he is proud to “represent his fi lmmakers have vested in me to be sang Nachna aaonda nahin for movie community” in Hindi showbiz. a part of their projects is really been Tum Bin 2 in 2016. In 2016, Diljit made his acting something that I value a lot.” On the singing front, Punjabi singer debut in Hindi cinema with Abhishek Diljit even became the fi rst turbaned B Praak recently made his debut in Chaubey’s Udta Punjab, and wooed Sikh to get a wax statue at Madame Hindi cinema. the audience with his on-screen Tussauds, proving that it’s ‘balle balle’ He lent vocals to the Teri Mitti song performance as well as song Ikk kudi. all the way for Punjabis in Bollywood. for Akshay Kumar’s Kesari. The song He bagged a kitty of Hindi fi lm projects – IANS

NEW PROJECT: Salman Khan’s new film will release on Eid. Directing makes me much better actor: Larson Salman goes grey for Bharat Oscar winning-actress Brie Larson donned the director’s hat for her new project Unicorn Store. She says her new Superstar Salman Khan, known for his chiselled looks, directing duties have made her a better actor. fl aunts a bearded old look in Bharat. Larson, who has become the fi rst to lead a female The 53-year-old actor gave a glimpse into the look on superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Captain Monday via social media. Marvel, feels that having the knowledge of directing fi lms has “Jitne safed baal mere sar aur dhaadi mein hain, usse kahin improved her as an actor. zyada rangeen meri zindagi rahi hain! Bharat. (As many white “Directing makes me a much better actor because you hairs on my head and beard, I have had a more colourful life see the entire process. Actors don’t get to be part of pre- than that),” he wrote along with a poster of the fi lm. production as much...they are not seeing what everybody While the fi lm’s teaser showcased fi ve diff erent looks of does on the team,” Larson told media during the promotion Salman, his salt-and-pepper look was kept under wraps. of her forthcoming fi lm Avengers: Endgame here on Monday. The poster also shows actor Jackie Shroff in the backdrop. “Sometimes everybody gets caught up in their roles PRACTICAL: Brie Larson feels that the knowledge of directing He is playing Salman’s father in the fi lm. specifi cally. They don’t see the bigger picture...how they fi t films helps improve acting. Bharat is an offi cial remake of a Korean lm fi An Ode To My in this larger scope. And with fi lms like these in particular Father. It depicts the history of India through the life of an where it’s beyond what’s happening on set, there are people end to over 10 years of storytelling involving some of the ordinary man. all over the world working on CGI, working behind the scenes mightiest superheroes like Iron Man and Captain America. Along with Salman, the fi lm also stars Katrina Kaif, Disha and so having that awareness I think makes me a better team “I shot this (...Endgame) before Captain Marvel. I wasn’t Patani and Tabu in the lead roles. It is directed by Ali Abbas player,” she added. fully aware of what we were doing and I still haven’t seen the Zafar. The fi lm will release on the occasion of Eid. – IANS She suited up once again to play the powerful superhero fi lm so, I don’t know what kind of a role I am playing in this,” Captain Marvel for Avengers: Endgame, which will put an she said. – IANS 16 GULF TIMES Tuesday, April 16, 2019 COMMUNITY Doha-based Filipino artist wins first sand art competition

the artists and experts, ensuring By Mudassir Raja the awards go to those who deserve them. It has enhanced the he hostile weather and objectivity of the competition that challenging conditions accompanied the cash awards.” could not dampen the On one hand, the winners were buoyant spirit of sand very pleased to participate in the artists as they recently event, the fi rst of its kind in Qatar. attendedT a fi ve-day-long art They also appreciated the vision competition near Sealine Beach of the centre for introducing a new Resort. competition in Qatar. The fi rst of its kind sand art Michael, who has been living competition, organised by Visual in Qatar for 21 years, considered Arts Center, was won by a Filipino himself very fortunate to take part artist, who is an interior designer in the competition and to win the by profession. As many as 20 fi rst prize. “At one point of time, artistes from diff erent nationalities I became hopeless. I was not able – including visiting artists from to complete my sculptor named Oman and Kuwait – took part in ‘Traditional and Modern Doha.’ The the competition that saw fi rst four weather was very unfriendly for me prizes going to the sand sculptures to create the sand sculptor. There and the fi fth and other prizes going WINNER: From left, Salman al-Malik, Director of the Center for Visual Arts; Michael Conjusta, first place winner of the was intermittent rain and strong to contestants in the drawings. sand art competition, and Hamad al-Zekaiba, Director of the Culture and Arts Department of the Ministry of Culture and winds creating hurdles for me. I According to the organisers, Sports, with organisers during the award ceremony. Photos supplied worked from 10am to 5pm for two the art event turned the shores of days piling up sand and making it Qatar into an open museum. On the wet with water. Third day I started sidelines of the competition, there “The eff ort has eff ectively achieved the vision of the making my sculptor. On fourth day, were art workshops attended by there were rains and strong winds talented children and their families. Ministry of Culture and Sports – working towards a that destroyed my unfi nished work. The competition turned into a kind On the fi fth day, I told the of sand art festival for visitors. community conscious and genuine love for arts. It organisers that I could not complete The sand competitions are a as still there was rain. However, rarity in Arab countries. has sought to achieve the strategic objectives of the on the insistence of the organisers There are, however, diff erent and some of my friends, I reached individual artists who show Center to support artists and nurture and embrace the at the site at 3pm and resumed my their dexterities on the shores of work. They gave two extra hours diff erent Middle Eastern countries. companions” to complete my work and I got fi rst Qatar is considered the fi rst prize for that. country in the region to organise — Salman al-Malik, Director of the Center for Visual Arts “First of all I am thankful to such a kind of competition. MAPS International, a group of The organisers intend to plan won the fi rst prize for his sculptor Hamad al-Hanzab stood fi fth. Each to have the motto – art for all. artists, for letting me know about a bigger competition on an showing traditional and modern of them received QR5, 000. We also ensured the spreading the competition. international scale from next year architectures of Doha. He was Speaking on the occasion, of visual excitement in the Secondly, I appreciate the Center after witnessing the success and rewarded with QR25,000 Salman al-Malik, Director of the community and making the shores for giving the artists an opportunity popularity of the contest. While a group of artists namely, Center for Visual Arts, described of Qatar an open museum.” to win some prizes. I was in need of In a sanguine prize distributing Seyyedeh Somayeh Hosseini, from the turnout as “remarkable,” as it He continued: “The eff ort has money and I won it.” ceremony, Hamad al-Zekaiba, Iran, Israa Abouchanab and Alissar achieved great interaction from eff ectively achieved the vision of Rashmi Agarwal, Chairperson Director of the Culture and Arts Abouchanab, from Lebanon, earned the artists and the talents, who the Ministry of Culture and Sports of MAPS International, said: Department of the Ministry of second place. The amount for the participated in the accompanying – working towards a community “I am very happy that two of Culture and Sports, honoured second prize was QR15, 000. The workshops. conscious and genuine love for our group members got good the winners of the competition third place went to the Indian artist Al-Malik thanked all the arts. It has sought to achieve the prizes. Kotteeswari Mahesh is with medals and cash rewards. Kotteeswari Mahesh. participating artists. “This strategic objectives of the Center also a member of MAPS. Such He expressed his immense The artist received QR10, 000. response reflects the firm desire to support artists and nurture and competitions are definitely pleasure over the success of the art Qatari artist Mubarak al-Malik to practise in such arts, drawings embrace the companions.” encouraging for the artist competition. stood fourth. on the beach, or preparing About the awards jury, he said: communities in Qatar. The Michael Conjusta, Filipino artist, Another Qatari artist Jaber sculptures on it. We made sure “We relied on the composition of ministry owes an appreciation.”

SAND ARTIST: Michael with his sculpture ‘Traditional and Modern Doha.’ SECOND PLACE: A group of artists from Iran and Lebanon won the second place prize worth QR15, 000.