AUGUST 15, 2019 2 Ram Nath Kovind Narendra Modi Independence Day Greetings President of Prime Minister of India Message of the Ambassador

n the occasion of the 73rd Independence The multi-faceted bilateral relationship be- music concerts, painting, calligraphy and pho- Day of India, I am happy to extend my tween India and Qatar continues to strengthen tography exhibitions, etc. We have more events greetings and felicitations to all my fel- further in various areas of our engagement, lined up for the rest of the year. Olow citizens residing in the State of Qatar. including political, energy, trade & investment, Independence Day is a solemn occasion when I also avail this opportunity to express my sincere security and defence and cultural spheres. This we recall with a profound sense of respect and rev- thanks and appreciation to the Amir of Qatar His year is particularly special, as we are celebrating erence the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and it as the India-Qatar Year of Culture. With the to liberate our country from the yoke of colonialism. the Government of the State of Qatar for their active support and cooperation of the Qatari It is also the time for us to take stock of our achieve- continued support and cooperation, and to the authorities, we have so far been able to organize ments in these 72 years and to rededicate ourselves hospitality and patronage extended to the Indian some memorable cultural events focusing on to the cause of the continued development of our P.PK Kumaran expatriate community in Qatar. popular Indian culture like dance performances, nation. `P4

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Dr. Khalid Mubarak Al-Shafi

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR DESIGN SUPPLEMENT COORDINATOR Mohammed Salim Mohamed Abraham Augusthy Muhammad Shammas 4

Today, India has firmly established itself as the world’s larg- 64.4 billion during the fiscal year 2018-19. of great significance in further deepening the bilateral ties be- est democracy as a result of the strong foundation laid by our I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Indian tween the two nations. The establishment of a regional office founding fathers, who framed a stable constitution and built community in Qatar for their continued good work, which has by Qatar Tourism Authority in has further increased the strong democratic institutions. We recently witnessed the festival earned for them a well-deserved reputation in Qatar for their scope for promoting tourism between the two countries. India of democracy in India - the general elections - in which over 600 sincerity, hard work, technical expertise and law-abiding nature. is a popular tourist and wellness destination amongst Qatari million people exercised their franchise and overwhelmingly As the Ambassador of India to Qatar, I am filled with pride when I nationals, given the cultural compatibility and historical contacts opted for a stable government. hear from various Qatari dignitaries about the valuable contribu- between the two countries. Qatar has emerged as a popular India has come a long way since its independence on 15 August tions made by the Indian community towards the growth and destination for Indian weddings, taking advantage of the visa-on- 1947. We have achieved self-sufficiency in food production and today development of Qatar over the years. Today, India’s fast-paced arrival facility and the excellent infrastructure offered by Qatar’s export various food grains to other countries. We are the largest growth, technological achievements, business-friendly envi- hospitality sector. We look forward to enhanced contacts and producers of fresh fruits, milk and pulses. India is a recognized military ronment, skilled workforce and a vast consumer market, offer connectivity between our peoples in the coming years. power in the world today. The Indian Space Research Organization Qatar a unique opportunity to be a partner in India’s growth and Defence ties between India and Qatar continue to prosper. (ISRO) has been successful in developing a highly acclaimed, low- development story. India looks forward to greater Qatari invest- The year 2018-19 saw a number of bilateral visits. INS Kolkata in cost and efficient space program in the world. The recent successful ments, with investments of more than US$ 1.5 trillion planned in March 2018, INS Mumbai in September 2018 and INS Tarangini launch of Chandrayaan II, a fully indigenous mission, has put India in infrastructure and other areas over the next two decades, mak- in December 2018 have visited Hamad port. The Chief of Qatar’s the elite club of nations having highly advanced space programmes. ing it one of the most attractive long-term markets for leading Emiri Naval Force led a delegation to India in April 2019 and In economic terms, India has emerged as the fastest growing investors. These factors are reflected in the impressive gains held meetings with his counterparts in India. We look forward major economy in the world. It is the 6th largest economy globally made by India in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business index, to enhancing our bilateral engagement in maritime and naval and is expected to grow at 7% during 2019-20. In the recently Global Competitiveness Index by the World Economic Forum, cooperation, training, joint production and other areas. released Union Budget 2019, the government aims to achieve and several other international reports which rank India as a The Indian Embassy remains committed to promoting the 8% annual GDP growth to become a US$ 5 trillion economy and best performer in South Asia for structural reforms undertaken interests of the Indian community in Qatar. The Embassy shall the world’s 3rd largest economy. Infrastructure is one of the key in infrastructure, financial market development, innovation and continue its efforts to expand its outreach to various sections sectors to realize this growth objective and the government has market size, among others. of the Indian community and remain in close contact with the thus accorded high importance to infrastructure projects in the India attaches great importance to its multifaceted relations authorities concerned in Qatar, to ensure the welfare and wellbe- budget. Initiatives like Bharatmala Pariyojana to develop road with the State of Qatar. India is the 3rd largest export destination for ing of Indian nationals. On this 73rd Independence Day, I once infrastructure; and the Jal Marg Vikas project and Sagarmala Qatar. Total bilateral trade reached US$ 12.3 billion during 2018-19. again extend my warm greetings to my fellow Indians in Qatar initiative to improve logistics with well-connected waterways Qatar is the largest supplier of LNG to India, accounting for 55% of and thank them for their valuable contribution to the growth would boost connectivity and trade. The government is commit- India’s global LNG imports and 15% of Qatar’s total export of LNG. We and development of Qatar and India. I am confident that the ted to achieving inclusive growth through affordable, reliable and look forward to enhanced cooperation in the energy sector, as India Indian community will continue to extend its full cooperation sustainable energy. India now stands 4th in wind power, 5th in seeks to enhance the share of natural gas in its energy mix in the next and support, as in the past, to the Embassy. solar power, and 5th in renewable capacity globally. The share decade. Though largely dominated by hydrocarbons, there are plenty of renewable energy in total power generation also rose from of opportunities to diversify our trade basket. Indian companies P. Kumaran 6% in 2014-15 to 10% in 2018-19. India plans to increase the operating in Qatar are pursuing mutually-beneficial collaborations in share of natural gas in India’s energy mix, currently at about infrastructure, information and communication technology, energy 7%, to 20% by 2030. and other areas in Qatar, contributing to Qatar’s preparedness for India holds the position of the third largest start-up eco- hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2022. India’s successful experience in system in the world and is expected to have 100,000 start-ups the fintech space offers several avenues of cooperation for Qatar. India by 2025, worth $500bn, which will create employment for 3.25 Stack, which offers 4 distinct technology layers based on presenceless, million people. A robust start-up ecosystem has been put in cashless, paperless and consent, has enabled world-class products place through a 19-point Action Plan which includes setting up being built on open Application Programming Interface (API) based several incubation centers, easier patent filing, tax exemptions, public platforms like BHIM, Rupay, and Paytm. ease of setting up business, a Rs100bn corpus fund, a faster exit Official bilateral interactions continue at a regular pace to mechanism, etc. The rural economy has received a major boost boost mutually beneficial co-operation between the two coun- with the government’s focus on agro-rural industries through the tries. We had the first-ever visit of our External Affairs Minister to cluster-based SFURTI programme. Special focus is being provided Doha in October 2018, during which extensive deliberations on for the development of bamboo, honey, and khadi clusters. 100 the state of our bilateral relations were held with the leadership new clusters are being set up to enable 50,000 artisans during of Qatar. The two countries also held the 3rd round of Foreign 2019-2020. There are concerted efforts to revitalize the Micro, Office Consultations in September 2018 in which T S Tirumurthi, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) by reorienting policies Secretary (ER), visited Doha and held extensive discussions to create more employment avenues, enhance productivity and with his Qatari counterpart H E Dr. Ahmed Hassan Al Hammadi, achieve greater profits. The Government of India has undertaken Secretary-General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The 5th meeting of an ambitious agenda for social change – from ‘Beti Bachao Beti Joint Working Group on Labour and Manpower Development was Padhao’ to BADLAV (Beti Aapki Dhan Lakshmi Aur Vijay Lakshmi); held in the month of January 2019 and was useful in exchanging from Swachh Bharat to Sundar Bharat; from ‘Give it up’ for the views on various issues in the field of labour cooperation. At the LPG subsidy to ‘Think about the Subsidy’, and from ‘Tax evasion’ multilateral level as well, the two countries continue to support to ‘Tax compliance’. each other at various international fora. Then Minister of State The Government of India is making continuous efforts to create for External Affairs Gen. Dr. V K Singh (Retd), visited Doha to an enabling environment conducive to attract foreign investment. participate in the Asian Cooperation Dialogue from 30th April Recently, it has eased FDI regulations to drive investments. It al- to 2nd May this year. He was a keynote speaker at the Business lowed 100% FDI for insurance intermediaries; eased local sourcing Forum of the ACD. An Indian parliamentary delegation led by regulations for FDI in single-brand retail outlets and increased the the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Haribansh Narayan Singh statutory limit for FPI investment in a company up to the sectoral limit represented India at the 140th Inter-Parliamentary Union meet- for FDI, subject to the approval of the company’s board of directors. ing held in Doha from 06-10 April 2019. It is worth noting that India had attracted cumulative FDI worth US$ India and Qatar consider people-to-people ties as a bedrock

6

Events organised by the Embassy in Doha

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

ravasi Bharatiya Divas was celebrated on January 9, 2019 by the Embassy of India, at Indian Cultural Centre, Doha. Indian Ambassador P Kumaran held an interac- Ptive session with the Indian community. The event was marked by felicitating a Qatar-based singer Ahmed Abdulrahim who rendered Mahatma Gan- dhi’s favourite song ‘Vaishnav Jan Te’. A promotional video on ‘India-Qatar Year of Culture 2019’ was also launched during the event. Rohit Birla (Gold), Marilyn Rego (Class 10 stu- dent of DPS) (Silver) and Princy Joseph Solomon 23. During the valedictory session the President of Prayagraj on January 24 and the Republic Day (Bronze) winners from Qatar of the quiz contest India, Ram Nath Kovind (January 23) conferred the parade at New Delhi on January 26. “Bharat ko Janiye Quiz” held online by the Ministry Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award to Commander The Indian Ambassador P Kumaran, together of External Affairs of India were also felicitated by Purnendu Tiwari (Indian Navy) from Qatar in rec- with Major General Tariq Khalid Al Obaidly, Past the Ambassador. ognition of his contribution towards promoting Head International Military Co-operation, GHQ and Over 150 Indians from Qatar attended the 15th India-Qatar bilateral cooperation. He is reportedly Khamis Al Ajmi, CEO, Dahra Technologies felici- Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2019 convention held in the first Indian Armed Forces personnel to be tated Pravasi Bharatiya Samman (2019) Awardee, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India from January 21 to awarded this highest honour meant for NRIs / PIOs. Commander (Retd.) Purnendu Tiwari (February 13) The delegates witnessed the Kumbh Mela at at a function held at Indian Cultural Centre (ICC). Republic Day Celebrations

he Embassy of India in Doha, cel- ebrated the 70th Republic Day of TIndia (January 26). Hundreds of members of the Indian community were in attendance at its premises. Ambassador P. Kumaran unfurled the national flag later read out the address of the President of India on the occa- sion of the Republic Day. A reception was hosted later on January 28, 2019 at Sheraton Hotel, Doha. The event was attended by H E Jas- sim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti, Minister of Transport and Communications; H E Yousuf Mohamed Al Othman Fakhroo, Minister for Administrative Development, Labour & Social Affairs; H E Amb. Ibrahim Fakhroo, Chief of Protocol; H E Amb. Ali Ibrahim Ahmed, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, members of the diplomatic corps and over 700 members of the Indian community in Qatar. A cultural programme showcasing the diverse folk dances were presented by the school children. Republic Day Celebrations

National Voters Day

o create awareness among the voters in Qatar, the Embassy of India, Doha, celebrated the National Voters Day on January 25, 2019. On Tthis occasion, Ambassador of India, P. Kumaran, administered a pledge to all present. 8

Honouring the brave martyrs

ndian community took part in candle light vigil and condolence meeting at the I Indian Embassy in Doha on February 18 to pay homage to 42 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans who were martyred in a terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir on Feb- ruary 14. The community came together to express solidarity with their nation. A minute’s silence was observed in respect for the mar- tyrs. Speaking at the condolence meeting, Indian Ambassador said: “The Government of India will do whatever it takes to bring the perpetrators and their sponsors to justice.” 5th International Yoga Day

mbassy of India, Doha Ecelebrate the annual Inter- national Day of Yoga on June 21 as a part of the global commem- oration. The event was held at Bust of Mahatma Gandhi unveiled National Museum of Qatar from 5– s a part of the ongoing 6am and at Qatar Sports Club Multi-Purpose Indoor celebrations of the 150th Hall from 7–8pm the following evening. Abirth anniversary year of Yoga camps and workshops were also held at Mahatma Gandhi, the apostle Asian Town, Al Khor, and Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim of non-violence, a bust of Gan- Al Thani Museum. As a prelude to the celebration dhiji was unveiled by India’s of the 5th International Day of Yoga, numerous Ambassador of India P. Kuma- workshops, demonstrations in collaboration with ran at the Embassy premises on well-known Doha based Yoga Studios were con- July 14, 2019. Members of ducted by the Indian Embassy including workshops Indian community were also present at the event. for students in Doha based Indian Schools.

Yoga workshops

ŭƔj̬ƔÌÆƔ&Æã¢Ùƍã²Ìƍ¿ƔdÌŢƃÝƔø Indian Meetup Friends, a group of Indian expats in Qatar, held a Yoga event at Al Bidda Park to mark the International Women’s Day. The event aimed at promoting healthy life- coordination, body awareness, focus and World Environment Day — Be the change style among women. concentration. ŭƔj̬Ɣ«ÌÙƔòÌÅ¢Æ ŭƔ PƔ9ã²Ìƍ¿Ɣj̬Ɣ °ÅÖ²ÌÆÝ°²ÖƔ you wish to see in the world As part of Qatar-India 2019 Year of Cul- ƆƔċĉĊĒ ndian Ambassador to Qatar, P. Kumaran, planted sap- ture celebration, a Master class of authentic The Embassy of India in coordination with lings on the World Environment Day in the Embassy Indian Yoga for ladies at the Oxygen Park Indian Sports Centre (ISC) conducted regular Ipremises. The Indian Community associations and the in Education city on Friday, 19th April, 2019. free Yoga training sessions to hone skills of Schools also participated in the drive. This is a part of larger The event was held in association with Qatar shortlisted students from Qatar for participat- save environment drive and an integral part of the events Museums and Qatar Foundation. Mrs. Ritu ing in the CBSE National Yoga Championship. under the 150th anniversary of Gandhiji. Gandhi himself Kumaran, wife of the Indian Ambassador, Students from five Indian schools (M.E.S Indian preached sustainable development, one of the greatest graced the event with her presence. School, Birla Public School, Olive International advocates for a greener future and for a balanced planet. ŭƔèã²ÝÅƔòÙ¢Æ¢ÝÝƔÅÌÆã° School, Rajagiri Public School, Al Khor Inter- This year’s celebrations, held under the theme ‘Beat A yoga sessions with Qatar Foundation was national School) are participating in this Air Pollution’, called upon people to explore renewable organized to mark Autism awareness month. championship. Weekly 20 hours of training is energy and green technologies, and improve air quality in The yoga session was designed to focus on spe- being provided to these students as part of the cities and regions across the world. cific yoga practices concerning motor preparation for the championship.

10

Open House

Ambassador P. Kumaran regu- larly holds monthly Open House to address urgent consular and labour issues/cases of Indian nationals in the State of Qatar.

Medical Camps Medical camp for workers in the Industrial Area (March 22); 38th free Medical camp for fishermen and work- he Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF), a ers (June 14), at the Aster Medical Centre, Al Khor. The charitable organisation under the aegis of the medical camps were inaugurated by Ambassador of TEmbassy of India in Doha, in association with the India to Qatar P. Kumaran. Ministry of Public Health, organised its 37th free Notifications — Community Welfare

Qatar Visa Centre (QVC) in India Path, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow Pincode – 226010, Uttar Pradesh. he State of Qatar launched its first two Qatar QVCs in India – Working Hours: Visa Centre (QVC) at the capital city of New TDelhi and in Mumbai on March 27 & 29th Biometric Enrollment: 08:30 HRS – 16:30 HRS March 2019 respectively. QVC’s were launched Medical Screening: 09:00 HRS – 17:00 HRS in the presence of officials from both Qatar and Email: [email protected] India. The Ministry of Interior proceeded with Telephone: +91 44 6133 1333 opening of five more centers across India in (Phone assistance is available from Monday cities of Kolkata, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Chennai to Friday between 08:30 HRS – 17:00 HRS) as well as Kochi. 2. Additional Services at ICC QVCs aims in providing distinct services Ý¢Ùñ²™¢Ɣò¢˜Ý²ã¢ÝŶ which streamline procedures for expatriates 1. The Indian Cultural Centre (ICC), which All are advised to please don’t visit / make to work in the country and also facilitating all has been providing Indians living in Qatar with any payment through fake websites for applying kinds of visa procedures in India itself. QVCs several consular services, has added some ad- Indian e-visa application. The correct website provide Biometric Enrollment and also Medical ditional serives to its list. Presently ICC now is given below:- https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/ Screening Services. provides the following services. The list of fake websites is as follows- ¢ã²¿ÝƔÌ«ƔƔKãÙƔc²ÝƔ ¢Æã¢ÙÝƔ²ÆƔ&ƞ²ƔÙ¢Ɣ ŭƔÖÖ¿²™ã²ÌÆƔ«ÌÙƔ9¢òƔIÝÝÖÌÙãƔƃŲÆÌÙÝƄ https://www.evisatoindia.org.in ƆƔžžÙ¢ÝÝůƔdÌÙ½²Æ¬Ɣ$ÌèÙÝůƔI°ÌÆ¢ůƔō²¿ƔÌ«Ɣ ŭƔIÝÝÖÌÙãƔL¢Æ¢ò¿ https://www.evisaindia.com Kc Ɣ&ƞ²Ɣ ¢Æã¢ÙÝ ŭƔãã¢Ýãã²ÌÆƔÌ«Ɣ ²Ùã°Ɣ ¢Ù㲫²™ã¢ÝƔƃ²ÝÝ袞ƔƵƔ https://www.indianvisaservice.org ŭƔ 8è؍²Ɣ ƃ ÆžÙƔ ÝãƄŮƔ ċĉĊŽċůƔ $¿¿ÅÙ½Ɣ attested by Govt. Organizations in (India & Qatar) https://www.indiaimmigration.org Business Plaza, Sant Dyaneshwar Marg, Near Gu- ŭƔ?ã°¢ÙƔ8²Ý™¢¿¿Æ¢ÌèÝƔP¢Ùñ²™¢ÝŶ https://www.evisaindia.org.in runanak Hospital, Bandra East, Mumbai – 400051 Located off E-Ring Road in Abu Hamour ICC https://www.indiaonlineevisas.org.in ŭƔ °¢Æƍ²Ɣ ƃP¿²¬ÙÅōÅƄŮƔ P°øÅ¿Ɣ with flexible timings provides consular services https://www.indiaevisa.org Towers,1st Floor, East wing, 136 Arcot Road, throughout the week. ČŶƔ&ÅÖÌÙãÆãƔ㰲ƬÝƔãÌƔ˜¢ƔÆÌ㢞Ɣ˜¢«ÌÙ¢Ɣ™- Saligrammam, Chennai – 600 093 ÌÆÝ迍ÙƔP¢Ùñ²™¢ÝƔã²Å²Æ¬ÝƔãƔ& Ů ™¢Öã²Æ¬Ɣ¢ÅÖ¿ÌøÅ¢ÆãƔ²ÆƔKãÙƔ ŭƔ ¢¿°²Ɣ ƃ½Ý°Ùž°ÅƄŮƔ ZƲãƔ ÆÌƔ ċůƔ 2Ìò¢ÙƔ Saturday to Thursday: 9am to 12 noon & What are the important things to be noted be- ground floor, Parsvnath Mall, Akshardham Metro 4 pm to 8pm fore accepting employment in Qatar, the Embassy Station, Akshardham, New Delhi. 110092 Friday: 8.30am to 11am & 4pm to 8pm of India in Qatar issued an advisory to all job seek- ŭƔ $øž¢Ù˜žƔ ƃU¢¿Æ¬ÆƄŮƔ ÙÌèƞƔ ¿ÌÌÙůƔ 2. The Ambassador of India, P Kumaran, who ers to follow a list of important things mentioned South Wing (Krishe Block), Krishe Sapphire is also the Patron of the Indian Cultural Centre below before accepting employment in Qatar - Building, Hitech City Road, Madhapur, Hydera- (ICC) in Qatar, inaugurated the new website of ŭƔc¢Ù²«²™ã²ÌÆƔÌ«Ɣã°¢Ɣ™Ù¢ž¢Æ㲍¿ÝƔÌ«Ɣã°¢Ɣ™ÌÅ- bad, Telangana, 500081. the Indian Cultural Centre on 27 June. The high- pany on e-Migrate and also through a known ŭƔ ̙°²ÆƔ ƃžÖ֍¿¿øƄŮƔ ÌÌÙƔ 9ÌƔ ČđŽčĊĊĊŽůƔ light of the upgraded website was a job portal for contact in Qatar or the Indian Embassy, Doha. Ground Floor, National Pearl Star building, Near Indian expatriates to apply online. ŭƔ8½¢ƔÝèÙ¢ƔãÌƔ«è¿¿øƔèƞ¢ÙÝãÆžƔã°¢Ɣã¢ÙÅÝƔÆžƔ Changampuzha Park Metro Station, Edappally ČŶƔ¿¢ÙãÝŽ9Ì㲫²™ã²ÌÆÝ conditions mentioned in the Contract or Offer Cochin-682024, Kerala. The Indian Embassy in Qatar issued alerts/ Letter, particularly the following aspects (please ŭƔ0Ì¿½ãŮƔ ¢Æ¬¿Ɣ&Æ㢿¿²¬¢ÆãƔIÙ½ůƔ 貿ž²Æ¬Ɣ notifications to all the Indian expats living in have it translated if it is not in a language you Gamma, 1st Floor, Block-EP & GP, Sector-V, Salt Qatar on various Issues: understand): Lake Electronics Complex, Kolkata – 700 091 ĊŶƔ¬²ÆÝãƔ™¿¿ÝƔ«ÙÌÅƔ«ÙèžÝã¢ÙÝƔ™¿²Å²Æ¬Ɣ ŭƔã¢ƔÌ«Ɣ™ÌÅŢƙ¢Å¢ÆãůƔã²Å¢ƈ֢ٲ̞ƔÌ«Ɣã°¢Ɣ ŭƔ2虽ÆÌòƔƃ ÌÅã²Ɣ9¬ÙƄŮƔ Ɣc²Ù»ƔUÌò¢ÙÝůƔ ã°¢ÅÝ¢¿ñ¢ÝƔÝƔ؍ÝÝøƔÌ««²™²¿ÝŶ contract and designation of the employee 2nd Floor, TC G/1A – V/3 Vibhuti Khand, Shaheed ċŶƔIÌÙ㍿ÝƔōÝØè¢Ùž²Æ¬ƔÝƔÌ««²™²¿Ɣñ²ÝƔ `P11 11

Advisory to all job seekers

ŭƔ™™ÌÅÅ̞ã²ÌÆƔÆžƔ™ÌÆñ¢ø- election. Application for inclusion of &ƙ٢Ý¢žƔ 9¢ãòÌÙ½ŮƔ As ex- captured when they visit the PSK. ance should be provided by the name in Electoral Roll by an overseas tended arms of 36 Passport Offices, Their applications and supporting company, or allowances should be Indian elector can be found in Elec- 93 Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) and documents are digitized and stored given for these purposes in addition tion Commission of India Website 412 Post Office Passport Seva Kendras in the system for further processing. to the basic pay. and register online. have been made operational across &Æ㢬ٍã²ÌÆƔò²ã°ƔIÌ¿²™¢ƔÆžƔ&Æ- ŭƔÆÆ荿Ɣ¿¢ñ¢Ɣ¢Æã²ã¿¢Å¢ÆãÝ ÌÙÅƈƔďŮƔƬ¿²Ý°ƔƸƔ$²Æž²Ɣ the country as part of Passport Seva. ž²ƔIÌÝãŮƔThe PSP network connects ŭƔ²ÙƔãٍñ¢¿Ɣ«Ù¢Ɣ«ÌÙƔ»Ì²Æ²Æ¬ƔžèãøƔ The Indian Embassy vide its &ÅÖÙÌñ¢žƔŢƲ㲢ÝŮƔThe PSK with the State Police across all the in Qatar and return air-ticket after press release explained with clarity provides a world class ambience. states and union territories. The ap- completion of contract – should be to all that: Under Section 20A of the Amenities in every PSK include plicant’s data is sent electronically for borne by the employer Representation of People Act, 1950 helpful guides, Self-Service Kiosks, police verification. PSP also provides ŭƔ¿¿ÌòÆ™¢ÝůƔ²«ƔÆøůƔÝ°Ì连Ɣ˜¢Ɣ and rules made there under, every photocopying, food and beverage an interface to India Post for tracking separately indicated in the contract, citizen of India – (a) whose name facilities, public phone booth, ba- delivery of passport to citizens. in addition to the basic pay is not included in the electoral roll; by care, newspapers and journals ¿¿Ɣ ¢ÆãÙ¢Ɣ ƵƔ $¢¿Öž¢Ý½ŮƔ A ŭƔ c²ÝƔ ÝããèÝƔ ™ÆƔ ˜¢Ɣ ñ¢Ù²«²¢žƔ (b) who has not acquired the citi- and television in a comfortable air- multi-lingual National call centre online at the website of the Qatari zenship of any other country; and conditioned waiting lounge. The operating in 17 Indian languages Ministry of Interior (c) who is absent from his place of Electronic Queue Management Sys- enables citizens to obtain passport ŭƔÅ¢Ù¬¢Æ™øƔ$¢¿Ö¿²Æ¢ÝƔ ÌÙƔ&ƞ²- ordinary residence in India owing tem ensures the ‘first-in-first-out’ service related information and ans Nationals : to his employment, education or principle in application processing. receive updates about their pass- https ://www.indianembassyq- otherwise outside India, is entitled Pãã¢ƔÌ«Ɣã°¢ƔÙãƔU¢™°Æ̬̿øƔ port applications, round the clock, atar.gov.in/emergencyhelp to have his/her name registered in &ƫٍÝãÙè™ãèÙ¢ŮƔ Passport Seva seven days a week. An e-mail based e-Migrate: https://emigrate.gov. the electoral roll as an “overseas is supported by state-of-the-art helpdesk besides a mobile based ap- in/ext/ elector” in the constituency in his/ technology infrastructure which plication ‘mPassport Seva’ both on čŶƔ?Æ¿²Æ¢ƔUٍž¢Ɣ ÌÅÖ¿²ÆãÝ her place of residence in India as enables end-to-end passport serv- Android and IOS platforms enables The Ministry of Commerce & In- mentioned in his/her passport. ices to be delivered with enhanced submission of passport application, dustry, Government of India, has The application for this purpose security comparable to the best payment of the requisite fees, getting introduced an on-line module for can be filed in the prescribed form in in the world. The photograph and an appointment and also provides filing and tracking of quality related person before the concerned Elec- biometrics of the applicants are information on passport services. complaints and trade disputes, with toral Registration Officer or sent by effect from 11.02.2019. Indian and post or can be filed online on the foreign business and trade entities website of the Chief Electoral Officer can register their trade complaints/ of the concerned state or the website disputes directly at òòòŶž¬«ãŶ¬ÌñŶ of the Election Commission of India ²ÆŶƔƔThe trade disputes both will be (eci.nic.in). After getting enrolled in handled by concerned authorities the electoral roll, such a person can and progress/status update could cast his/her vote in India during the be viewed on-line. The disputes Assembly or Parliamentary elections registered will be handled subject at the respective polling stations, after to the laws and regulations in force showing his/her valid Indian passport. in the respective jurisdictions. ĐŶƔZ֞ã¢ÝƔIÝÝÖÌÙãƔP¢ñƔZÖ- ĎŶƔ?ñ¢ÙÝ¢ÝƔ ²ã²ý¢ÆÝƔÌ«Ɣ&ƞ²Ɣ žã¢ÝŮƔThe Passport Seva Project ¢¿²¬²˜¿¢Ɣ«ÌÙƔ9IP is transforming passport and re- The Ministry of Finance, Govern- lated services in India to provide a ment of India, has decided to include best-in-class experience to Indian Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) as citizens. PSP is to deliver passport an eligible category of individuals services in a reliable, convenient who can subscribe to the National and transparent manner, within Pension Scheme (NPS), on parity defined service levels. Key aspects with the Non-Resident Indian (NRIs). of the service transformation ďŶƔL¢¬²Ýã¢ÙƔÝƔ9L&ƔñÌã¢ÙƔ²ÆƔKãÙƔ achieved by PSP are as follows: ƆƔ ÝãƔøÌèÙƔñÌã¢Ɣ²ÆƔÝݢŘ¿øƔÆžƔ֍Ù- Æøò°¢Ù¢ƔÆøã²Å¢Ɣ™™¢ÝÝŮƔ ¿²Å¢ÆãÙøƔ¢¿¢™ã²ÌÆƔ²ÆƔ&ƞ² Citizens can submit their passport Indians in Qatar (NRI’s) who applications and seek an appoint- wish to register themselves as NRI ment on payment of passport voters in your constituency can now fees online through the PSP por- register their names in electoral rolls. tal (www.passportindia.gov.in) at Every Indian has a right to vote and their convenience. The portal pro- it is our duty to vote. NRI’s encoun- vides comprehensive and latest tered with certain difficulties cast information on all passport related their votes. Now the NRI can register services. Citizens visit the nearest themselves as NRI voter and cast their PSK/ POPSK with prior appoint- vote to candidates at the time of state ment date/time, thus avoiding long assembly election or parliamentary queues and inconvenience. 12

Bilateral relations

Minister of Transport holds talks with India’s Civil Aviation Minister Minister of Culture and Sports A Qatari delegation led by the Qatari Minis- meets Indian envoy ter of Transport, H.E. Mr. Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti, Fifth meeting of India-Qatar JWG on Chairman of Qatar’s Civil Aviation Authority, H.E. Minister of Culture and Sports H E Salah bin Labour & Manpower Development Abdullah bin Nasser Turki Al-Subaey and Qatar Ghanem Al Ali met with the Ambassador of the Airways Group Chief Executive, H.E. Mr. Akbar Republic of India to the State of Qatar, P Kuma- The Fifth Meeting of the India-Qatar Joint Al Baker attended the Global Aviation Summit, a ran (25 January 2019). During the meeting, the Working Group on Labour and Manpower Devel- two-day event ( 15-16 January) in Mumbai, India. two discussed aspects of cooperation between opment ( 14-15 January 2019). both countries in cultural and sports fields and The two-day meeting, was held on the basis ways to develop them. of the labour agreement signed between the two countries, was co-chaired by Assistant Under- secretary for Labour Affairs at Qatar’s Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs, Mohamed Hassan al-Obaidli, and Joint Secretary for Overseas Indian Affairs at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, Manish Gupta. The meeting discussed means of promoting Qatar Media Corporation CEO meets the bilateral relations in the field of labour India’s Ambassador between the two countries, the latest develop- Praveen Garg, India’s Additional ments and reforms in Qatar and ways of Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Media Cor- Secretary, (Environment & Forest) meets developing the recruitment procedures of Indian poration HE Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad Indian Ambassador labour in Qatar, especially technical and special- Al-Thani met HE Ambassador of India to the State ised employment, as well as domestic labour. of Qatar. P. Kumaran (21 Mar 2019) to discuss Praveen Garg, India’s Additional Secretary & media relations and means to promote them. Financial Adviser to Ministry of Environment, For- 9th edition of ISODA Summit promotion est & Climate Change met Indian ambassador P India’s Shyam Metalics in Qatar Kumaran at Continuing Professional Education The 9th (CPE) seminar held in Doha (18 July, 2019). edition of Qatar Chamber’s First Vice Chairman Mohamed ISODA (TS9) bin Ahmed bin Tawar met (18 February 2019) the Director of Public Security meets Summit kicked chief of India’s Shyam Metalics, Aditya Agrawal in Indain Ambassador off a Business the presence of Surinder Bhagat, the Commercial Networking Representative at the Indian Embassy. The meet- H E Director of Public Security Staff Major dinner at Hotel ing reviewed trade and economic cooperation General Saad bin Jassim Al Khulaifi met (20 June Ritz Carlton, between business sectors of the two countries. Adi- 2019) with H E Ambassador of the Republic of Doha (31st Jan- tya Agrawal discussed the possibility of establishing India to the State of Qatar P Kumaran.During the uary) which was attended by around 120 plus a factory for manufacturing ferroalloys, which will meeting they reviewed a number of topics of delegates. ISODA has joined hands with Indian be first-of-its -kind in Qatar reaffirmed the QC’s interest to both countries. Business Promotion Council (IBPC), supported readiness to help foreign companies willing to set by the Indian Embassy – Doha, to host a Busi- up businesses in Qatar by finding them local part- Gulf Warehousing Company established ness Networking Session. The session provided ners. The QC is interested in helping local companies a subsidiary in India, Led India Private a platform for ISodians to network with Qatari to exchange experience and technology with for- Technology Limited (April 17 2019) IT companies and Indian IT companies in Doha. eign companies, Tawar added. Inaugurating the Networking session, ISODA Gulf Warehousing Company announced the Chairman, N K Mehta introduced ISODA to eve- establishment of a subsidiary in India, Led India ryone while thanking Qatar Tourism and the Private Technology Limited, which was founded Indian Embassy for facilitating the event to take on April 3, and Gulf Warehousing Company has place in Doha. P. Kumaran, Ambassador of India established Prime Container Services, a Qatar- to the State of Qatar, in his inaugural speech based limited liability company with a capital of appreciated ISODA’s effort for exploring Qatar QR 300,000 100% of Gulf Warehousing as its next destination. Company.

14

The 140th Assembly of the IPU

The 140th Assembly of the IPU took place in Doha, Qatar (April 6-10, 2019). The Indian delegates participated in various meet- ings during the Assembly as four Standing Committees of IPU, Forum of Women Parliamentarians, Governing Council of IPU as well as on an Emergency item relating to a major event of inter- national importance. The delegation also attended the meetings of regional groups viz. Asia Pacific Geopolitical Group and Coordination Committee meeting of Asian Parliamentary Assembly.

Vibrant Goa Global Expo and Summit - Roadshow in Doha

In order to spread awareness about the upcoming Vibrant Goa Global Expo and Summit (VGGES) 2019 scheduled from October 17 to 19, 2019, a promotion event titled “Vibrant Goa 2019” was held in Doha on April 23, 2019. P. Kumaran, Ambassador of India to Qatar, was the Chief Guest on this occasion. The event highlighted the salient features of Goa State in key areas such as innovation, sus- tainability, industries, MSMEs, technology, youth, skill development and knowledge sharing and networking. The VGGES 2019 will offer an ideal platform to meet, interact, network and discuss busi- ness proposition for importers, exporters, investors, customers and experts. The knowledge summit will be organized concurrently with the Expo with the objective to bridge the gap between Goan industries and other national as well as international players.

Qatar Chamber hosts ‘International Businesses Asia-Pacific Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Delegation’ (IBD) from 8 countries India participated in the Asia- Qatar Chamber presented the investment opportuni- Pacific Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) ties available in the country’s business sectors before the Ministerial Conference held in Qatar ‘International Businesses Delegation’ (IBD), included 90 busi- from April 30-May 2. The Indian del- nessmen from India, Philippines, Mozambique, Bangladesh, egation is led by Union Minister of Nepal, Canada and Malaysia, representing more than 35 State for External Affairs, General VK sectors in a meeting held in Doha (28 April 2019). The meet- Singh. VK Singh strongly stressed ing, was organised by Qatar Chamber, in co-operation with that this forum strengthens the rela- the IBD Summit in Doha, Address Gateway Company, and tions between businessmen and ICC Qatar, discussed Qatar’s achievements in economy and strengthens cooperation to promote the business environment. partnerships among Asian countries, focusing on the role of SMEs as a new engine for sustainable economic prosperity. The delegation lauded the contribution of small and medium-sized industries in creating thousands of jobs. He noted that the sector currently accommodates about 128 mil- lion people in India, calling for strengthening the role of the information and communication technology sector as part of the SME sector in Asia and building partnerships among ACD countries to promote it. He also condemned the April 21 terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka and expressed grief. The Indian Ambassador P. Kumaran was present during the ACD.

‘Vibrant Tamil Nadu’ promo Goa Delegation in Doha QIA invests in Indian edtech startup Byju’s (July 10, 2019) The Indian embassy, in collaboration with the Indian On June 21, the Qatar Chamber hosted an Business & Professionals’ Council (IBPC) Qatar held B2B meeting with 12-memebr Indian trade del- Qatar Investment Authority, the sover- ‘Vibrant Tamil Nadu’ event in Doha (May 1, 2019) to pro- egation, representing a wide range industries eign wealth fund of Qatar, has led $150m mote the Vibrant Tamil Nadu Global Expo and Summit viz. building materials, IT, shipbuilding, metal, investment in Indian edtech startup Byju’s. (VTGES) being held in India from August 12 to 15, 2019. lighting, furniture, food and others from Goa With latest investment, Byju, became India’s The event is the first of its kind expo which focuses on headed by Anmol Moody, Commercial Coun- most valuable edtech startup and has raised the F&B sector in Tamil Nadu will serve as a unique plat- selor of the Vibrant Goa Global Summit and capital close to $1bn in capital. This round form to harness the export potential of farmers and food Exhibition. The meeting was chaired by H E according to TechCrunch came at a valu- processing industries in the southern Indian state. Mohammed bin Tawar Al Kuwari, First Vice- ation of $5.75bn, up from $4bn just seven The VTGES will also have knowledge sessions on President of the Qatar Chamber. months ago when the startup raised $400m various topics with domestic and global experts shar- The meeting discussed ways to enhance led by Naspers. ing their insights on the latest technological trade cooperation between the two sides, par- It is the second large investment by developments/innovations in agriculture, organised ticularly in the areas of information technology, Qatar Investment Authority in an Indian F&B sector, food processing, packaging, logistics, cold automation, solar energy, shipbuilding and tech startup. The Qatari sovereign wealth chain, cold storage and ware housing, branding and design, metallurgy, food, textiles, lighting, con- fund had previously invested in Indian related subjects coupled with advanced production struction of wooden houses, building materials ecommerce giant Flipkart in late 2014. practices, preservation and marketing tactics. and business consulting. 15

Project Qatar ics, tools, sanitary wares, machinery etc. The Indian Pavilion at the event was jointly The 16th edition of ‘Project Qatar’ (April 29 to inaugurated by Qatar’s Minister of Commerce May 1, 2019) at Doha Exhibition and Convention and Industry H E Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, and Centre witnessed participation 34-member Indian Indian Ambassador P Kumaran. delegation from the Federation of Indian Export The participating companies explored part- Organisations (FIEO), an apex trade promotion nerships with Qatari companies and prospects to body set up by the Ministry of Commerce and enhance India’s exports in this region. Industry, Government of India. The delegation was led by Ashwani Kumar, The dedicated ‘India Pavilion’ was one Regional Chairman, FIEO. The key players par- of the largest contingents at Project Qatar ticipating include Indiana Gratings; Ozone and double in comparison to the previous Hardware; Acrysil; Reinhardt Roto; Tools & Equip- edition. the pavillion showcased various ments major - Victor Forgings; Electrical Wires Indian companies specialising in different & Components major - Ram Ratna Wires; Alfa Finishing equipments; etc. The Indian Pavilion aspects of the construction sectors like Omega; Clean Coats; Hydax Hydraulics; ML Tools; was visited by a number of prominent Qatari busi- building equipment, power, HVAC, ceram- Mohan Mutha; Sanwa Diamond Tools; Surface nessmen and investors. Sports Section

Indian athletes make their mark at the global level

The 23rd edition of Asian Athletics Championship was held from April 21 to 24, 2019 at the Khalifa Inter- national Stadium in Doha, Qatar. Nearly 700 athletes from 44 Asian nations competed for 186 medals in 21 men’s events, 21 women’s events, and a mixed relay event that made its debut in the Asian athletics Cham- pionship. Indians won 17 medals which include 3 gold, 7 silver, and 7 bronze medals. India took the 4th place in the tournament. The winners were felicitated by the Ambassador of India to Qatar, P Kumaran, in a cere- mony organised by the Indian Sports Centre in Doha on April 24, 2019 for their stellar performance. Qatar-India Year of Culture 2019

Ìƙ¢ÙãƔ˜øƔ Ì¿¿øòÌ̞ƔP²Æ¬¢ÙƔÙ²»²ãƔP²Æ¬°Ɣ formally opened ƃĊđƔ/ÆèÙøƔċĉĊĒůƔ2èݍ²¿ƔPÖÌÙãÝƔ٢ƍƄŶƔ?Ù- the celebrations of ¬Æ²Ý¢žƔ˜øŮƔKãÙƔ9ã²Ìƍ¿ƔUÌèÙ²ÝÅƔ Ìèƙ²¿ůƔ the India-Qatar 8²Æ²ÝãÙøƔÌ«Ɣ è¿ãèÙ¢ƔÆžƔPÖÌÙãÝůƔ?Æ¢Ɣ 8ƔLž²ÌƄ Year of Culture Bollywood singing sen- and featured a sation Arijit Singh held a tribute to Bollywood - the world’s largest film high profile concert and industry (in terms of the number of films pro- /9ZLjƔċĉĊĒƔ enthralled a large audience duced per year). The programme, which has been of nearly 20,000 with a successfully presented at a number of interna- &ƞ²ÆƔ Ý°²ÌÆƔž¢Ý²¬Æ¢ÙÝƔãƔP°ÌÖƔKãÙƔ¢- soulful performance on tional platforms, was directed by the ݲ¬ÆƔ²ÝãÙ²™ãƔƃ/ÆèÙøƔĎƆĊċůƔÌ°Ɣ÷°²˜²ã²ÌÆƔ January 18, 2019 at Lusail Sports Arena. The event award-winning director, Shubhra Bhardwaj and ÆžƔ ÌÆñ¢Æã²ÌÆƔ ¢Æã¢ÙƄŶƔ?Ù¬Æ²Ý¢žƔ˜øƔK9U Ŷ featured renditions of a number of his much- choreographed by Pravarsen Yesambare. Three Five well-known Indian fashion designers - admired and award-winning tracks. ‘One FM Radio’ distinct segments - Ancient India, Traditional India Tarun Tahiliani, Raghavendra Rathore, Wendell brought the renowned singer to Doha in associa- and Modern India - gave a glimpse of India through Rodricks, Namrata Joshipura and Raw Mango - tion with Shop Qatar 2019, the third edition of the Bollywood across genres, regions and eras with a participated in the displays organised at Shop Qatar’s biggest shopping festival that is part of the wide range of costumes, colours and sounds, mak- Qatar Design District in January 2019, as part of Qatar National Tourism Council’s strategy to grow ing it a visual delight for the audiences. the festivities organised under Qatar Shopping and diversify the country’s tourism offering. The programme also included a performance Festival 2019. The exquisite designs exhibited by by over 75 students from Birla Public School, fea- these designers helped showcase the depth of  LZLjƔċĉĊĒƔ turing excerpts of classical and folk dances from talent and the diversity available in the Indian U²™½¢ãƔãÌƔ Ì¿¿øòÌ̞ƔƃčƈĎƔ ¢˜ÙèÙøƔċĉĊĒůƔ different parts of India. A group of Indian artists fashion design industry, in addition to the cul- 0ãÙƔ è¿ãèٍ¿Ɣc²¿¿¬¢ƄŶƔ?Ù¬Æ²Ý¢žƔ˜øŮƔKãÙƔ resident in Qatar, belonging to the Visual Arts tural affinities between India and the Arab world, 8èÝ¢èÅÝůƔ 8²Æ²ÝãÙøƔ Ì«Ɣ è¿ãèÙ¢Ɣ ÆžƔ PÖÌÙãÝůƔ Forum India (VAFI), exhibited a selection of their as shown by the popularity of Indian designs in 0ãÙƔ è¿ãèٍ¿Ɣc²¿¿¬¢Ƅ select paintings titled ‘Historical Monuments of this part of the world. This event, commissioned by Qatar Museums, India”, on the sidelines of the event. 16

time, an India ãã²ø°Ɣ٢ƍůƔÌ°ƄŶƔ?Ù¬Æ²Ý¢žƔ˜øŮƔ ˜Ɣ Pavilion at the 16th Æã¢Ù㍲ÆÅ¢ÆãŶƔIÙãÆ¢ÙƔ?Ù¬Æ²Ýã²ÌÆÝŮƔK9U ůƔ Doha Jewellery KãÙƔ²ÙòøÝůƔPãŶƔL¢¬²ÝƔÌ°Ƅ and Watches Exhi- Dadlani and Shekhar Ravjiani, described often bition (DJWE), held by the media as ‘Sultans of Swag’, performed in at Doha Exhibition Doha on March 1, 2019. In a tribute to India-Qatar and Convention collaboration, they were also joined briefly by Centre (DECC). The India Pavilion included 13 Qatar’s Grammy-nominated singer Fahad Al 8èݲ™ƔÌ«Ɣ Ì¿¿øòÌ̞ exhibitors. India is one of the largest exporters of Kubaisi, who creatively combined with them for 9ñ¢¢ÆƔ0èōÙƔÆžƔUÙÌèÖ¢ƔƃđƔ ¢˜ÙèÙøƔ gems and jewellery and exports 75 percent of the a rendition of their greatest hit ‘Swag Se Karenge ċĉĊĒůƔK9 ƄŶƔIÙãÆ¢ÙƔ?Ù¬Æ²Ýã²ÌÆÝŮƔKãÙƔ world’s polished diamonds. India’s gems & jewel- Sabka Swagat...’ The performance, which fea- I°²¿°ÙÅÌƲ™Ɣ ?ٙ°¢ÝãٍůƔ KãÙƔ 8èÝ¢èÅÝůƔ lery exports to the Middle East accounted for over tured a number of popular Bollywood hits, was &ƞ²ÆƔ ÌÅÅèƲãøƔ ¢Æ¢ñÌ¿¢ÆãƔ ÌÙèÅŶ $10bn in 2018. The Pavilion was inaugurated by H E held to a capacity crowd of over 6,000 at the A fusion musical performance which brought Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, the venue. FAB Entertainment also promoted the Wel- together for the first time the team of Qatar Phil- Prime Minister of Qatar and was also graced by the fare for Workers Initiative, which saw local harmonic Orchestra, composer Tomas Kantolinen renowned Hindi film actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, companies with large numbers of Indian labour- and several Indian musicians, whose names are who was the brand Ambassador for DJWE this year. ers, signing up for discounted tickets for its labour given below, to attempt a musical fusion of the work force to gain access to the concert. Indian and Arab styles: Naveen Kumar (flute), &ÆÝãÙèÅ¢Æ㍿Ɣ8èݲ™ƔÆݢŘ¿¢Ɣƃ/謍¿˜Æž²Ƅ Ravi Chari (sitar), Tanmoy Bose (), Ratul ƃċđƔ ¢˜ÙèÙøƔƵƔĊƈċƔ8Ù™°ƔċĉĊĒƔãƔ0ãÙƔ L»Ý㰍ƲƔ Ì¿½Ɣ8èݲ™ Shankar (drum), Madhab Deka (keyboard), Hricha è¿ãèٍ¿Ɣc²¿¿¬¢ƔƵƔ&ƞ²ÆƔ è¿ãèٍ¿Ɣ ¢ÆãÙ¢ƄŶƔPèÖ- ƃ8Ù™°ƔďƈđůƔċĉĊĒƔUƔIPƔ8&PƔP™°ÌÌ¿Ɣ螲- Debraj Das (vocal). Pranav Robin Joseph (vocal). ÖÌÙ㢞Ɣ˜øƔã°¢Ɣ8²Æ²ÝãÙøƔÌ«Ɣ è¿ãèÙ¢ůƔ Ìñ¢ÙÆÅ¢ÆãƔ ãÌÙ²èÅůƔè½°ÆƔ ²Æ¢ÅƔƵƔ&ƞ²ÆƔ è¿ãèٍ¿Ɣ ¢ÆãÙ¢ƄŶƔ Together, they mesmerised the audience with Ì«Ɣ&ƞ²ŶIÙãÆ¢ÙƔ?Ù¬Æ²Ýã²ÌÆÝŮƔKãÙƔ8èÝ¢- PèÖÖÌÙ㢞Ɣ˜øƔã°¢Ɣ8²Æ²ÝãÙøƔÌ«Ɣ è¿ãèÙ¢ůƔ Ìñ¢ÙÆÅ¢ÆãƔ the following pieces: Theme from Bombay (by èÅÝůƔ8²Æ²ÝãÙøƔÌ«Ɣ è¿ãèÙ¢ƔÆžƔPÖÌÙãÝůƔ0ãÙƔ Ì«Ɣ&ƞ²ŶƔIÙãÆ¢ÙƔ?Ù¬Æ²Ýã²ÌÆÝŮƔKãÙƔ8èÝ¢èÅÝůƔ A.R. Rahman), Spirit of Thunder (by Dana è¿ãèٍ¿Ɣc²¿¿¬¢Ŷ 8²Æ²ÝãÙøƔÌ«Ɣ è¿ãèÙ¢ƔÆžƔPÖÌÙãÝůƔ& Ŷ Alfardan), Four Seasons (by Nasser Sahim), Music This event featured Tabla virtuoso & percus- This event showcased the & dances from Chaudhvin Ka Chand (by Ravi), Cyclists sionist Pandita Anuradha Pal and her team, who of Rajasthan, by Girdhari Lal Dangi and his award- Theme (Unknown), From Shafallah Suite: The enthralled the audience with their live performance winning troupe from Girdhar Kala Sansthan. Oryx and the Unicorn (by Wael Binali), Cry of at Drama Theatre, Katara Cultural Village on 28 Lively and colourful performances were held by Rose (Kadhal Rojave) (by A.R. Rahman), Cafe Fluid February & on March 1. A repeat performance was the troupe at three different places — at the audi- (by Naveen Kumar), Medley of Tollywood and Bol- held at the Indian Cultural Centre on March 2 for torium of DPS-MIS School on March 7; at Dukhan lywood (by A.R. Rahman), Ave Maria: Symphonic the larger Indian community. Town on March 8; and at Indian Cultural Centre Music on Indian Bansuri (Unknown), Fantasy Flute Anuradha Pal, India’s first female professional on March 9. The performances presented a soul- (by Naveen Kumar), From the movie Thalapathi: tabla and percussion ful journey into the melody of Rajasthani music ‘Rakkamma Kaiya Thattu’ (by Ilaiyaraaja), Music virtuoso, presented and folk dances: from Baahubali (by M.M. Keeravani) an Instrumental 0ã°½ƔÆ™¢ƔƑL°øã°Å²™Ɣ÷ÖÙ¢ÝݲÌÆÝ Music Ensemble ƃ8Ù™°ƔĊčƈĊďƔãƔ0ãÙƔ è¿ãèٍ¿Ɣc²¿¿¬¢ůƔ¿ƈ ÌÆã¢ÅÖÌٍÙøƔÆ™¢ƔI¢Ù«ÌÙōƙ¢ (Jugalbandi), along 0°ÌÙƔ ÌÅÅèƲãøƔƵƔ& ƄŶƔPèÖÖÌÙ㢞Ɣ˜øƔã°¢Ɣ ƃċĊƈċċƔ ¢˜ÙèÙøƔċĉĊĒƔãƔ$Ì㢿ƔPãŶƔL¢¬²ÝƔƵƔIPƔ with her talented 8²Æ²ÝãÙøƔÌ«Ɣ è¿ãèÙ¢ůƔ Ìñ¢ÙÆÅ¢ÆãƔÌ«Ɣ&ƞ²ŶƔIÙã- 8&PƔP™°ÌÌ¿Ɣ螲ãÌÙ²èÅƄŶƔPèÖÖÌÙ㢞Ɣ˜øƔã°¢Ɣ8²Æ- team of musicians. Æ¢ÙƔ?Ù¬Æ²Ýã²ÌÆÝŮƔKãÙƔ8èÝ¢èÅÝůƔ0ãÙƔ ²ÝãÙøƔÌ«Ɣ è¿ãèÙ¢ůƔ Ìñ¢ÙÆÅ¢ÆãƔÌ«Ɣ&ƞ²ŶƔIÙãÆ¢ÙƔ Anuradha Pal is an è¿ãèٍ¿Ɣc²¿¿¬¢Ŷ ?Ù¬Æ²Ýã²ÌÆÝŮƔKãÙƔ8èÝ¢èÅÝůƔ8²Æ²ÝãÙøƔÌ«Ɣ è¿- internationally This event featured a Kathak dance perform- ãèÙ¢ƔÆžƔPÖÌÙãÝůƔ0ãÙƔ è¿ãèٍ¿Ɣc²¿¿¬¢Ŷ acclaimed accompa- ance by Rani Khanam and her troupe. It was first This event featured a contemporary dance nist with top Indian held at Drama Theatre, Katara Cultural Village performance by Dishaa Cre- classical musicians and an enthusiastic collabo- on March 14, then at Al Khor Community on March ative Dance Group, led by rator with Jazz, African, Latin, Flamenco, 15 and thereafter at the Indian Cultural Centre, Basu Sharma. It was an amal- Crossover Classical, Percussion, Pop, Rock & New- Doha on March 16. It was a lively and delightful gamation of several Indian age music. She holds the honour of being the rendition of many elements of Kathak. Kathak dance styles and was enacted Youngest and first female Indian Musician to per- is one of the eight classical dance forms of India, by a troupe of 12 performers. form at two of the most prestigious music festivals having its origin in the story-telling tradition of The performance was struc- in the world – Woodstock Festival (2008) & India. In this dance form, the performers, through tured around six themes, in six parts named WOMAD Festival (1999). their body movements, hand movements, foot- “Aura”, “Elements”, “Two shades”, “Mohe Rang The musical evening contained interactive nar- work, and facial expressions narrate different Do Laal”, “Jugalbandi (fusion)” and “Holiya me rations through innovative rhythmic dialogue on stories. Rani Khanam and her group performed ude gulaal”. the Tabla, Violin and Flute, followed by an Ensem- 7 items, in which they narrated different stories. ble between the Tabla, Dholak, Kadtaal, Pakhawaj, U²¢ƈžø²Æ¬ƔÆžƔ˜¿Ì™½ƔÖÙ²Æã²Æ¬ƔòÌٽݰÌÖÝƔ &ƞ²ƔIñ²¿²ÌÆƔãƔ/d Udu, Djembe and Darabuka. The concert also gave ƃ8Ù™°ƔĊďƈĊđƄ ƃċĉƈċĎƔ ¢˜ÙèÙøƔċĉĊĒůƔK9 ƄŶƔPèÖÖÌÙ㢞Ɣ an insight into the folklore of Rajasthan. Qatar Museums, Katara Art Studios and Vir- ˜øƔ ¢ÅÝƔƵƔ/¢ò¢¿¿¢ÙøƔ÷ÖÌÙãƔIÙÌÅÌã²ÌÆƔ ÌèÆ- ginia Commonwealth University School of the ™²¿ůƔ &ƞ²ŶƔ ƃIÙãÆ¢ÙƔ ?Ù¬Æ²Ýã²ÌÆÝŮƔ &ƞ²ÆƔ 8L $ƔċĉĊĒƔ Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) conducted work- èݲƢÝÝƔƵƔIÙÌ«¢ÝݲÌÆƔ Ìèƙ²¿ůƔKãÙƔ²ÙòøÝƄ shops on Tie-dying and block printing by two The Gems & Jewellery Export Promotion 8èݲ™¿Ɣ™Ìƙ¢ÙãƔ˜øƔc²Ý°¿ƔƵƔP°¢½°ÙƔ award-winning Indian artisans Abduljabbar Council (GJEPC) of India organised, for the first ƃ8Ù™°Ɣ Ɣ ĊůƔ ċĉĊĒůƔ ¿²Ɣ ²ÆƔ $ÅžƔ ¿Ɣ Khatri & Sufiyan Ismail Khatri from Kutch. 17

?ž²ÝݲƔÆ™¢ƔI¢Ù«ÌÙōƙ¢Ɣ˜øƔL²ÆƔ/ÆƔ ÙÌèÖ thematic performance by the members of Indian ƃ8Ù™°ƔċĊƈċċƔãƔ$Ì㢿ƔP°¢ÙãÌÆƔÌ°ƔƵƔãƔ associations and school students. ?÷ø¬¢ÆƔIÙ½ůƔžè™ã²ÌÆƔ ²ãøƄŶƔPèÖÖÌÙ㢞Ɣ˜øƔ Æ؍ÙƔƆƔÆƔ÷°²˜²ã²ÌÆ ã°¢Ɣ8²Æ²ÝãÙøƔÌ«Ɣ è¿ãèÙ¢ůƔ Ìñ¢ÙÆÅ¢ÆãƔÌ«Ɣ&ƞ²ŶƔ ƃÖÙ²¿Ɣ ĊďƈċĉůƔ U°¢Ɣ ã¢Ɣ 8¿¿ƄŶƔ IÙãÆ¢ÙƔ IÙãÆ¢ÙƔ?Ù¬Æ²Ýã²ÌÆÝŮƔKãÙƔ8èÝ¢èÅÝůƔ8²Æ- ?Ù¬Æ²Ýã²ÌÆŮƔc²ÝãÝƔ ¿Ì˜¿ ²ÝãÙøƔÌ«Ɣ è¿ãèÙ¢ƔÆžƔPÖÌÙãÝŶ Sixty-three pieces of art by 20 leading Indian This event featured an Odissi dance perform- artists were on show at ‘Fanqaar’ Exhibition. Fan- ance by Rina Jana & Group. It was organised at qaar - an Urdu word which means artist - shone the Al Majlis Hall, Sheraton Doha, on March 21 was a special performance by Doha’s emerging the spotlight on Indian artists Francis Newton and again on March 22 at the Qatar International artist Aisha, who presented a tribute song hon- Souza, Ram Kumar, Paramjit Singh, Badri Narayan, Food Festival at Oxygen Park (Education City). ouring the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Kalal Laxman Goud, Manu Parekh, Thota The performances were composed and choreo- Gandhi. Written by renowned Qatari composer Vaikuntam, Lalu Prasad Shaw, Rabin Mondal, Mil- graphed by Guru Rina Jana, who is a veteran artist Dana Alfardan, the song was dedicated to the burn Cherian, G R Iranna, Ramesh Gorjala, H R and one of the frontline exponents of Odissi. The Qatar-India Year of Culture 2019. Das, Laxman Aelay, Anjaneyulu Gundu, Lalba- troupe consisted of five dancers and six musi- ƑZž¢ƔL¢Ɣ 迍¿ƒ hadur Singh, Padmakar Santape, Nagesh Ghodke, cians and the performance comprised six items. ƃ8Ù™°ƔċĒůƔL¢ã»ƔP¿òƔL¢ÝÌÙãƔƵƔ?÷ø¬¢ÆƔ Bhaskar Rao and Vishal Joshi. ÷°²˜²ã²ÌÆÝƔãƔ8ã°«ŮƔٍ˜Ɣ8èÝ¢èÅƔÌ«Ɣ IÙ½ůƔžè™ã²ÌÆƔ ²ãøƄŶƔIÙãÆ¢ÙƔ?Ù¬Æ²Ýã²ÌÆŮƔ Æ™¢ÝƔÌ«Ɣ9ÌÙã°ƈÝãƔ&ƞ²Ɣ˜øƔÅٍ֍¿²Ɣ 8̞¢ÙÆƔÙãƔƃ8Ù™°ƔċĊƈ/è¿øƔČĊƄ L»Ý㰍ÆƔIÙ²ñÙŶ L¢Ö¢ÙãÌÙø Arab Museum of Modern Art was held to fea- A troupe of 12 artistes from Rajasthan — seven ƃÖÙ²¿ƔċĎƈċďƔãƔIPƔ8&PƔP™°ÌÌ¿Ɣ螲ãÌÙ²èÅƔ ture Indian art as part of the Qatar India 2019 Year known for their folk songs and music, whereas ƵƔ2ƈ0°ÌÙƔ ÌÅÅèƲãøƄƔŶƔPèÖÖÌÙ㢞Ɣ˜øƔã°¢Ɣ of Culture.The first exhibition, M. F. Husain: Horses the other five being folk-dancers — showcased 8²Æ²ÝãÙøƔÌ«Ɣ è¿ãèÙ¢ůƔ Ìñ¢ÙÆÅ¢ÆãƔÌ«Ɣ&ƞ²ŶƔIÙã- of the Sun, is dedicated to the work of M. F. Husain. the tribal dances of Rajasthan. Jasu Khan, a child Æ¢ÙƔ?Ù¬Æ²Ýã²ÌÆÝŮƔKãÙƔ8èÝ¢èÅÝŶ The second exhibition, Still More World by Delhi- folk singer from Rajasthan, well-known for his This event featured a 14-member Indian cul- based Raqs Media Collective, presented 13 performance in the famous singing TV reality tural troupe ‘Amrapali Repertory’, which multi-object and video installations, two of which show ‘Sa Re Ga Ma - Little Champs 2017’ and ‘The showcased the richness and variety of dance were created especially for the show in Doha. Voice of India - Kid 2016’, presented a number forms of North-Eastern India. They presented an &ƞ²ÆƔ֍Ù㲙²Öã²ÌÆƔãƔK& of Rajasthani folk songs at the event. Pempa Khan, exquisite rendition of folklore and dances of ƃ8Ù™°ƔċĉƈċđůƔ?÷ø¬¢ÆƔIÙ½ůƔžè™ã²ÌÆƔ another artiste, demonstrated his skill in playing North-East India on April 25 in the auditorium of ²ãøƄŶƔPèÖÖÌÙ㢞Ɣ˜øƔã°¢Ɣ8²Æ²ÝãÙøƔÌ«ƔUÌèÙ²ÝÅůƔ Rajasthani folk instrument ‘Khartal’. The troupe DPS-MIS School, Doha, and on April 26 at Al- Ìñ¢ÙÆÅ¢ÆãƔÌ«Ɣ&ƞ²ŶƔIÙãÆ¢ÙƔ?Ù¬Æ²Ýã²ÌÆÝŮƔ rendered a repeat performance at the Oxygen Khor Town. The performances were composed KãÙƔ8èÝ¢èÅÝůƔK9U Ŷ Park, Education City, as part of QIFF. and choreographed by Pranaame Bhagawati and As part of the India-Qatar Year of Culture - Jayanta Bhagawati. 2019, two Chefs were deputed by the Ministry of IL&2ƔƔċĉĊĒ $¢øƔٍ˜²ÆƔ Ý°²ÌÆƔ÷°²˜²ã²ÌÆ Tourism, Government of India, to represent India Ƒ÷°²˜²ã²ÌÆƔƏ ÙÌÅƔ&ƞ²ƔãÌƔKãÙƔƅƔƔPøÅ- ƃÖÙ²¿ƔċďƈČĉůƔ Ƅ at the Qatar International Food Festival at Oxy- ˜²ÌݲÝƔÌ«Ɣ è¿ãèÙ¢ÝƐ The Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition featured gen Park (Education City) from March 20 to 28. ƃÖÙ²¿Ɣčƈ/è¿øƔČĊůƔP°¢²½°Ɣ ²Ý¿Ɣ ²ÆƔKÝ²ÅƔ an Indian Pavilion to promote Indian designers. They gave several live demonstrations of Indian 8èÝ¢èÅůƔP°°Æ²ŶƔIÙãÆ¢ÙƔ?Ù¬Æ²Ýã²ÌÆŮƔKãÙƔ Heya also saw Indian design extraordinaire, cooking and also served as judges for cooking 8èÝ¢èÅÝůƔP°¢²½°Ɣ ²Ý¿Ɣ ²ÆƔKÝ²ÅƔ8èÝ¢èÅŶ Suneet Varma, debuting as part of the Qatar-India demonstrations by chefs from other countries Year of Culture. The event also facilitated Indian participating in the Food Festival. The two Indian designers Sonali Raman and Pallavi Dhyani. Chefs also gave cooking demonstrations at Chef 0°ž²Ɣ÷°²˜²ã²ÌÆƔ˜øƔ Ý°²ÌÆƔIÙÌÅÌã²ÌÆƔ Garden Restaurant, with the support of Qatar ¿ÝÝƔãƔc ZÙãÝƔKãÙƔƃ8øƔċƈĎƄ Foundation on March 25 and 27. The Fashion Promotion Class at Virginia Com- ŶƔLŶƔL°ÅÆƔP°Ìò monwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar ƃ8Ù™°ƔċċůƔ0°¿²«ƔP㍞²èÅƔÌ°ƄŶƔ?Ù¬Æ- (VCUarts Qatar) in Education City, held a four- ²Ý¢žƔ˜øŮƔ0ãÙƔPã螲ÌÝůƔ8²Æ²ÝãÙøƔÌ«Ɣ è¿ãèÙ¢Ɣ day exhibition on the versatile fabric Khadi. The ÆžƔPÖÌÙãÝůƔKãÙƔ²ÙòøÝůƔPèÖ٢ŢƔ ÌÅŲã- fabric is an ongoing dialogue on fashion and cul- 㢢Ɣ «ÌÙƔ¢¿²ñ¢ÙøƔƵƔ2¢¬™øůƔÝÖ²Ù¢ƔoÌÆ¢Ŷ ture within India, ‘Khadi for Nation’ has turned Globally acclaimed Indian composer and Sheikh Faisal Bin Qasim (FBQ) Museum pre- into ‘Khadi for Fashion’. musician A.R. Rahman, along with an 80-strong sented an exquisite exhibition of India-related Ù²™½¢ãƔ ÌÆã¢ÅÖÌٍÙøƔI°Ìãְٍ̬øƔ™ÌÅ- troupe, captivated the audience with an electri- artefacts at the Museum in Shahaniya, titled ‘From Ö¢ã²ã²ÌÆƔƃ/èÆ¢ƔċƄ fying performance at Doha’s Khalifa International India to Qatar - A Symbiosis of Cultures’. The exhi- The event, an exhibition on cricket, was organ- Stadium. Billed as the biggest ever live stage con- bition featured a number of items of historical ised by Qatar Museums in association with Youth cert in the history of Qatar, the much-anticipated interest curated by Prof. Mohammed Moin Sadeq Hobbies Centre. In all, 21 photographers depicted event kept the over-30,000 crowd spellbound and also a special exhibition of miniature paintings the sport. The Cricket Exhibition was inaugurated throughout the three-hour duration, with a curated by Indian artists Ajay and Vinita Sharma. by Dr. Khaled Al Sulaiti, Director-General of Katara, number of his popular and award-winning num- °ÙãƔZãݍñƔƃÖÙ²¿ƔĊċƄ in the presence of Dr. Issa Al-Hur, Head of Youth bers. Rahman, a two-time Oscar and Grammy ‘Bharat Utsav – A Journey through Festive Cel- Development and Empowerment Department at winner, was performing for the first time in Qatar. ebrations of India’ was organized at Al Majlis, the Ministry of Culture and Sports. Indian photog- The team performed on a 90m-long stage, a world Sheraton Grand Doha Hotel, by ICC. The evening rapher Shiraz Sithara bagged the third position in first at the state-of-the-art venue, which is one featured performances by two touring Indian the contest. The event was attended by officials from of the stadiums for the FIFA 2022 World Cup. troupes who presented some classical dance Qatar Olympic and Sports Museums Exhibition, Fire Before the formal start of the concert, there forms from different Indian states, followed by Station Museum and Youth Hobbies Centre. 18

?ž²Ý°ƈƔU°¢ƔPÌè¿ƔÌ«Ɣ&ƙ٢ž²˜¿¢Ɣ&ƞ² Nasser Theater, Souq Waqif. Saswat Joshi and his - A Journey: Qatar and India”. ƃ/èÆ¢ƔĊČƈĊčůƔ˜žè¿Ɣý²ýƔ9ÝÝ¢ÙƔU°¢ãÙ¢ƄŶƔ team from Lasyakala performed Odissi dance. Prince KãÙƔ&ƞ²ƔċĉĊĒƔI°Ìãְٍ̬øƔ÷™°Æ¬¢Ɣ IÙãÆ¢ÙƔ?Ù¬Æ²Ýã²ÌÆŮƔZ㽍¿²½ƔKãÙ Dance Troupe presented some exciting contempo- ƃ/èÆ¢ƔĊďƄ The Embassy, in partnership with ‘Utkalika’, the rary dances. A P Pattanaik, renowned ‘bansuri’ flautist, Qatar Museums announced an open call Odia Society of Qatar, organized “Odisha - The Soul rendered some special musical compositions. Manas for Qatari photographers to apply to represent of Incredible India”, a cultural event at Abdul Aziz Kumar Sahoo, a sand-art artist, presented “Sand Art Qatar on an expedition to the scenic Ladakh, ZƲÝÌÆƔÌ«ƔPãٲƬÝƔÆžƔd²Æž ƃ/èÆ¢ƔċĊůƔٍōƔU°¢ãÙ¢ůƔ0ãÙƔ è¿ãèٍ¿Ɣ c²¿¿¬¢ƄŶƔ IÙãÆ¢ÙƔ ?Ù¬Æ²Ýã²ÌÆŮƔ ¢ãÝƔ ƵƔ UèÆ¢ÝƔñ¢ÆãÝƔƵƔ0ãÙƔ è¿ãèٍ¿Ɣc²¿¿¬¢Ƅ Celebrating DAY, the con- cert, ‘Unison of Strings and Wind’ presented Grammy and Padmabhushan awardee Pandit ’s performance on Mohan Veena. A musical ensemble with Shashank Sub- ramanyam playing the flute , Amita Dalal on the sitar, Patri Satish Kumar on the mridan- gam and Himanshu Mahant on the tabla enthralled the audience. &ƞ²ƔÙãƔL¢Ý²ž¢Æ™¢Ɣƃ/è¿øƔčƄ Qatar Museums announced the launch of “India Art Residence” program for the emerging Qatari artists, under the title “What about Art?”. The residency organizes regular visits of Mum- bai Art District.  &ƔÖ٢ݢÆãÝƔ&ƞ²ÆƔ ²Æ¢ÅƔƃ/è¿øƔčƈċĉƄ The Doha Film Institute (DFI) in partner- ship with Qatar Museums and the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival screened three contem- porary films by some of India’s most exciting filmmakers at the MIA auditorium. “Village Rockstars (2017)” was screened on July 7, fol- lowed by “Vasan Bala’s Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota (2018)” on July 11 and “Sriram Raghavan’s Andhadun (2018)” on July 18.

&Ý¿Å²™Ɣ ¿¿²¬ÙÖ°øƔ÷°²˜²ã²ÌÆƔƏ8è¿ãØƔ ¿ƈKè¿è˜Ɣd¿ƈ èÆèÆŮƔƔ ã°¢Ù²Æ¬ƔÌ«Ɣ$¢ÙãÝƔ ƵƔ ٍ«ãÝƔƃ/è¿øƔĊđƔ/è¿øƆè¬èÝãƔĊČůƔ0ãÙƔ è¿- ãèٍ¿Ɣc²¿¿¬¢ƄŶƔIÙãÆ¢ÙƔ?Ù¬Æ²Ýã²ÌÆŮƔLž²ÆãƔ ÙãÝƔƵƔ0ãÙƔ è¿ãèٍ¿Ɣc²¿¿¬¢Ŷ Together with “Radiant Arts”, a platform for Dawoodi Bohra artists, the exhibition was show- cased at Katara Cultural Village. The Exhibition displayed examples of how Arabic Calligraphy is preserved and practised in India and how iconic symbols of Qatar like the dhow, falcon, oryx and horse are celebrated by artists. Art pieces of seven artisits were on display. The event was inaugu- rated by P. Kumaran, Ambassador of India to Qatar. During the event, live calligraphy sessions by the artists of Radiant Arts were also conducted. It was intended to showcase the art of calligra- phy as another aspect of cultural exchange between India and Qatar. 19 20