Community Community A total of 690 Today marks individuals the 72nd P9attend the P16 anniversary 2017 Qatar Leadership of the United Nations. On Conference that was this day, there is much to organised by THIMUN be hopeful about and still Qatar and NU-Q. some to criticise.

Tuesday, October 24, 2017 Safar 4, 1439 AH

DOHA 27°C—36°C TODAY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE 11 PUZZLES 12 & 13

COVER STORY

The lush brush How does someone with Pakistani-Indian parentage grow up across distant lands and varied cultures? Artist Fatima Fasih tells how she strikes a fine balance. P4-7 2 GULF TIMES Tuesday, October 24, 2017 COMMUNITY ROUND & ABOUT

Secret Superstar DIRECTION: Advait Chandan CAST: Aamir Khan, Zaira Wasim, Meher Vij, Raj Arjun. SYNOPSIS: Insu, a young Muslim girl, aspires to become a singer but faces PRAYER TIME restrictions from her conservative Fajr 4.20am father. She Shorooq (sunrise) 5.37am happens to cross Zuhr (noon) 11.18am paths with a Asr (afternoon) 2.34pm substandard Maghreb (sunset) 5.01pm music director, Isha (night) 6.31pm played by Aamir Khan, which unfolds into an USEFUL NUMBERS exciting journey.

THEATRES: Landmark, The Mall, Royal Plaza

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 Raja The Great Tollywood potboiler formula in this sequences where we see men hitting their Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365 DIRECTION: Anil Ravipudi fi lm is the coin toss. Earlier, a one rupee head against hard surfaces and spurting Qatar Airways 40253374 CAST: Mehreen Pirzada, Ravi Teja coin would be used, now it’s a 10 rupee a lot of blood. Unlike fi lms where you see SYNOPSIS: Raja The Great is an coin. Otherwise, this Ravi Teja, Mehreen the protagonist chasing the antagonist or upcoming Telugu fi lm written and Pirzada, Prakash Raj starrer directed by vice-versa, here, the villain seeks revenge directed by Anil Ravipudi. It features Anil Ravipudi tells the same old story. It for his loss. Ravi Teja and Mehreen Pirzada in the is louder than before, tries too hard to be lead roles. The only fresh twist to the funny, yet fails and takes us back to action THEATRES: The Mall, Landmark ote Unquo u te Q It is better The Mall Cinema (1): Raja: Monster Family (2D) 6:30pm; The Great (Telugu) 2pm; Secret Mersal (Tamil) 8:30pm; Geostorm to debate a question Superstar (Hindi) 4:45pm; The (2D) 11:30pm. without settling it than Hatton Garden Job (2D) 7:15pm; Royal Plaza Cinema Palace Golmaal Again (Hindi) 9pm; 10:45pm. (2): Mersal (Tamil) 2:15pm; The to settle a question without Mother (2D) 11:45pm. Landmark Cinema (2): Monster Hatton Garden Job (2D) 5:15pm; debating it. The Mall Cinema (2): Monster Family (2D) 2:15pm; Monster Geostorm (2D) 7pm; Geostorm Family (2D) 2pm; Monster Family Family (2D) 4pm; Monster Family (2D) 9pm; Mersal (Tamil) 11pm. – Joseph Joubert (2D) 3:45pm; Monster Family (2D) (2D) 5:45pm; Geostorm (2D) Royal Plaza Cinema Palace 5:30pm; Geostorm (2D) 7:15pm; 7:30pm; Geostorm (2D) 9:30pm; (3): Golmaal Again (Hindi) 2pm; Geostorm (2D) 9:15pm; Golmaal Geostorm (2D) 11:30pm. Secret Superstar (Hindi) 4:45pm; Again (Hindi) 11:15pm. Landmark Cinema (3): The Mother (2D) 7:30pm; Mother (2D) The Mall Cinema (3): Mersal Hatton Garden Job (2D) 2:15pm; 9:30pm; Golmaal Again (Hindi) (Tamil) 2:30pm; Mersal (Tamil) Secret Superstar (Hindi) 4pm; 11:30pm. Community Editor 5:15pm; Secret Superstar (Hindi) Mother (2D) 6:45pm; Mersal Asian Town Cinema: Mersal Kamran Rehmat 8:15pm; Mersal (Tamil) 11pm. (Tamil) 8:45pm; Golmaal Again (Tamil) 3, 6, 6:30, 7:30, 9:45, e-mail: [email protected] Landmark Cinema (1): Raja: (Hindi) 11:30pm. 10:45pm & 12am; Parava Telephone: 44466405 The Great (Telugu) 2:15pm; Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (Malayalam) 9pm; Golmal Again Mersal (Tamil) 5pm; Golmaal (1): Monster Family (2D) 2:30pm; (Hindi) 8:45pm; Secret Superstar Fax: 44350474 Again (Hindi) 8pm; Mersal (Tamil) Monster Family (2D) 4:30pm; (Hindi) 6pm. Tuesday, October 24, 2017 GULF TIMES 3 ROUND & ABOUT COMMUNITY

EVENTS Beginners Kufic for Women Kids Competition get involved in the birthday celebrations. WHERE: Museum of Islamic Art, WHERE: TCA Qatar To kick-off things off, Evolution Sports Information Session – Executive Education Centre WHEN: Nov 3 recently launched their 10-year anniversary MBA WHEN: Until Oct 29 TCA Qatar is back with another logo. The emblem has been designed by WHEN: Tomorrow TIME: 5pm competition. It is open to all students and Toyan Greaves, the man behind the original TIME: 4:30pm – 5:30pm The word ‘Kufic’ is related to the city will be held on the 3rd of November. The Evolution Sports logo and will be used on WHERE: 14th Floor, Tornado Tower, of the same name in Iraq, Kufa, and was competitions involve: Rubix Cube 3X3, all documentation, both online and offline West Bay developed from Hijazi script. Many Qur’ans Abacus, Handwriting (Calligraphy), Quick for the next 12 months. The Information Session for HEC Paris are written in Kufic calligraphy, which is Math, Drawing and Painting. For more Executive MBA (EMBA) will take place on characterised by its bold and vertical letters details, please call 6652-3871, 3132-6749, or Train like a superhero October 25. Learn more about this world- and comes in several types (for example 4437-3259. WHERE: Aspire Zone class executive programme and discover eastern Kufic or western Kufic). Join MIA to WHEN: Ongoing the international diversity of participants, learn this early and beautiful script. Imperial Threads: Motifs and Kids Classes Now Open! Train like a blended learning and international mobility Artisans superhero at CrossFit Doha! CrossFit holds options. Find out how it will help you WHERE: Museum of Islamic Art a variety of disciplines from weightlifting transform yourself and your career. HEC WHEN: Until November 4 to calisthenics to gymnastics. This will Paris Academic Director and Admissions This exhibition focuses on the exchange help your kids excel in sports & retain the team will be on hand and the session will of artistic and material cultures between healthy & fit lifestyle! Support your kids’ help people find out more about HEC the Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal natural urge for physical activities & train Paris, degree programmes run in Qatar, the Empires. Highlighting MIA’s masterpiece like a superhero, at CrossFit Doha’s in admissions process and financing options. carpets, among other artworks, from demand Kids Classes today! CrossFit Doha The next intake is for February 2018. Turkey, Iran and , these objects will is located at Aspire Zone Sports City. For be contextualised within the historical more information, call 44138484. ABBA Revival Tribute Show circumstances of politics and artistic WHEN: October 26 production of their time, primarily from Breakdance Classes WHERE: Radisson Blu Hotel the 16th to the 18th centuries. WHEN: Sun-Wed TIME: 7:30pm Breakdancing is part of the Hip Hop Billed as the UK’s favourite ABBA show, Cultural Diversity Festival culture that originated in New York this tribute band will be performing live WHEN: Until Nov 11 and has since spread all over the world. in Doha this Thursday. “Winners of the Katara Photography Festival WHERE: Katara Breakdancing is an athletic and acrobatic UK Agents Association best Abba Tribute WHERE: Katara TIME: 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm style of dancing, which can often appear Award in 2016, they will be performing all WHEN: Until Oct 30 Cultural Village Foundation-Katara in to defy the laws of physics. This extreme of their hits. These include Dancing Queen, TIME: 10am co-operation with Unesco Office in Doha is dance-sport uses tremendous upper- Waterloo, Take a Chance on Me and many Katara Photography Festival is the first hosting a Cultural Diversity Festival on its body strength for tricks and poses and a more. Do not miss a great evening of songs photo event by Katara, aiming to bring premises until November 11. great way to get into shape and have fun. from one of the most popular bands in together various artistic minds to showcase Register now by calling 33003839 or e-mail popular music history,” said the Director talent. The festival is a step towards [email protected] of Entertainment, Raymond McRobbie. building stronger communities – both The doors open at 7:30pm and the tickets local and international, by speaking the Reggae Beachfest Doha are priced at QR390, inclusive of an language of art. In its inaugural exhibit, WHEN: Thursdays and Fridays international gourmet buffet. The event is the festival will be looking at including a WHERE: Oyster Beach Bar at St. Regis restricted to 21 years and above. Qatar ID variety of aspects encompassing celebrated Hotel is required. For tickets and reservations photographers of different nationalities, TIME: 8pm onwards please call 4428-1555. Tickets can be workshops and competitions. In collaboration with Reggae Beachfest purchased online at www.q-tickets.com in Dubai, Qatar will witness the best rasta Qatar World Superbike nights around. The organisers say, “We’ve Championship 2017 got the setup sorted to get you feeling the WHERE: Losail Circuit, Losail, Doha Caribbean vibe. Along with our resident WHEN: Nov 2-4 band Earthkry all the way from Jamaica, TIME: 4pm-5pm we have so many big names in the Reggae The Losail International Circuit once scene lined up at this huge beachfest!” again will host the final round of the Entrance fee is QR50 at the door. For more WorldSBK, the Qatar Round. As previous information, please call 44460105. years, the event will be held at night under the floodlight system of the circuit Dance & Fitness Classes and the MOTUL FIM Superbike World WHERE: Music and Arts Atelier, Villa 57, Championship is sure to be an exciting and Art 29 presents REM by Lulu M Bin Omran unpredictable last round. This year the WHERE: W Doha Hotel & Residences, WHEN: Ongoing event will be from Thursday to Saturday. Qatar Atelier is the newest music and arts WHEN: Until Nov 16 school in Doha that offers dance and ISC Skipping Rope Open TIME: 9am fitness classes for kids to adults such as Championship An emotionally driven artist, Lulu M ballet, hiphop, salsa, tango, and other WHERE: ISC Doha finds herself quite literally dreaming about Latin dances, Zumba, Tae Kwon Do, Yoga, WHEN: Nov 3 her work. Guided, inspired or merely kickboxing. TIME: 3:30pm - 6:30pm experimenting with new materials and Contact at [email protected] Indian Sports Centre under the patronage techniques, the results are astonishing. or 33003839. of the Embassy of India is organising Lulu M wants to share her passion with the Skipping Rope Open Championship. world and take the viewers on a journey Reggae Nights every Sunday The Speed Hop Competition and Speed of her vivid dreams through her art. With WHERE: Sheraton Grand Doha Endurance Competition has the following depth and dimension often present in her WHEN: Every Sunday categories: adults (Men & Women), and work, she wants her viewers to look deeply TIME: 9pm Under-19 and Under-13 (boys and girls). into her pieces and experience them. Spend your summer nights with some The competition is open to the Indian good “irie” reggae music every Sunday. community and registration is free Evolution Sports Qatar Doors open at 9pm at The Irish Harp. WHERE: Evolution Sports Entrance Fees is QR50 for gents. Ladies Oyster Bay Live presents Gianluca WHEN: Ongoing enter free. For further information, Vacchi Evolution Sports will mark its please call 44853000 or e-mail at WHERE: St Regis, Doha anniversary by hosting a number of exciting [email protected] WHEN: Oct 27 events throughout 2017 as well as some TIME: 8pm- 2am amazing promotions, ten years on from Salsa Beginners Dance Class This 27th of October will see the debut of when the club was formed on September WHERE: B Attitude Spa, West Bay the Oyster Bay Live revamped concept with 1, 2007. The club has been working with WHEN: Every Friday one of the biggest 2017 international social a panel of coaches and directors to plan Salsa n Candela offers a variety of dance media phenomenons alongside DJ Terio. the events which will be announced over classes for adults at Beverly Hills Tower Oyster Bay Live is promising the ultimate the coming months. Members should look West Bay B Attitude Spa, such as Salsa musical journey with the innovative forward to a variety of different occasions, every Friday and other Latin dance during rhythms from Gianluca Vacchi. suitable for all ages so the whole family can other days of the week.

Compiled by Nausheen Shaikh. E-mail: [email protected], Events and timings subject to change 4 GULF TIMES Tuesday, October 24, 2017 COMMUNITY COVER STORY “I love India, but I own Pakistan” — Fatima Fasih, artist, teacher, social activist

By Kamran Rehmat

t is not very often that you come across an unassuming 26-year-old, who is a reflective artist, eschews a comfortable life in one Iof the world’s most coveted places in favour of making a hard knuckle difference in her home country, and speaks with clarity and eloquence on the relationship between India and Pakistan. It is even rarer to find a child of such gifts when she has had to traverse paths across India, Pakistan and faraway Canada with all its heterogeneous challenges and find a balance doing so. It is probably convenient to put that equipoise down to ‘rich experience’ and but then, it is not given to every individual to forsake personal gain for a higher calling. Fatima Fasih, who also teaches art to early birds, is unique in another sense, though for this distinction she would have to accede to a biological mooring. She has an Indian mother and a Pakistani father — a match she calls made in heaven. Even so, their lives — and those of their progenies — are worthily being lived down here! Fatima has a Perfect Four pillar to count on: Mother Ilmana Quraishi is a gynaecologist; father Dr Syed Fasihuddin a pulmonologist; brother Ismail Fasih soon to become a kinesilogist; and husband, Abdullah Faiz, an engineer. Three of them — Fatima, her mother and brother — are also Canadian citizens. Beginning her academic journey from a British-Pakistani school in Jeddah and finishing with an MSc from the University of Toronto, Fatima is credited with winning the ‘Emerging Artist of the Year Award’ under the aegis of Mississauga Arts Council Awards 2016 as well as the Hazel McCallion ‘Volunteer of the Year Award’ for charity work — through her paintings that helped raise $20,000 — for both women in conflict, and refugees in Syria. "In the global mainstream art, I feel a lot of Pakistan's ethnic and Like her father, who, invested cultural art and handicrafts are ignored and my work is a small every single penny of his life’s earnings to establish a medical attempt in showing how this country, too, has many cultures that facility — Taj Consultants Clinics in Karachi — in the country of his radiate vibrant colours and ethnic traditions involving art that birth after his long journey abroad has existed since centuries" (devotedly helped by her mother), Tuesday, October 24, 2017 GULF TIMES 5 COVER STORY COMMUNITY

Ayat ul Qursi.

In the Name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful. Fleeing the South Sudan Civil War.

Fatima, born in Makkah, too, time I did my A levels, we moved move to Pakistan and focus on there was amazing in terms of show my roots and told them that chose to return home to turn the to Canada and I started my BSc bringing some change since there making the most of my education, they could do the same and still page as a social activist in pushing at the University of Toronto and is little to no sustainability work getting into the most prestigious fit in the mainstream Canadian for sustainable practices. The soon also acquired an MSc in or initiatives in the country. As university, having professors that society — because that is Canada. young Sustainable Development Sustainability Management from soon as I moved to Karachi, I got are not just teachers, but friends Canada doesn’t require us to Programme Manager at the Centre my alma mater as well. a job in the renewable energy and mentors, and making friends change ourselves to fit in, rather of Excellence for Responsible It was a great experience to sector at EcoEnergy Pakistan to from all over the world. It was you’re already welcome as you are. Business even has a coinage go to a prestigious university bring electricity to rural Sindh a great learning experience and for her home-return ‘mission and it really helped me gain province’s off grid areas. Later, made me very independent. You have a unique family impossible’ — ‘Vapistani’ or the confidence in setting my life I got married and have now By being in Canada, I was set-up; your maternal side ‘Pakistani returnee’. goals and priorities. I have one started working as Sustainable able to learn from libraries, hails from India and paternal sibling, my brother Ismail, whom Development Program Manager walk-in bookshops and Pakistan. How did this Over to Fatima and her musings: I consider to be one of my best at the Centre of Excellence for community centres about art and interesting match come about? Tell us about yourself: friends. My parents always gave Responsible Business (CERB) watercolours. It also provided a (Laughs)… I think this question where you hail from, where us well-grounded values about to push businesses to work on lot of exposure to my work. Being should be answered by my parents, you received education, your life and our roots. We travelled adopting sustainable practices and a Pakistani in Canada helped me but I do believe it was a match made family, travel… quite a bit as children and had increasing awareness in society. reach out to many immigrant in heaven and their relationship I was born in Makkah and grew a few opportunities to travel to Pakistanis, who, felt it was is premised in understanding and up in Saudi Arabia. Our parents Guatemala into my university Tell us about your experience imperative to let go of their ethnic accommodation for one another. tried to give us a desi upbringing years to explore coffee farming growing up in Canada values and culture to fit in to a It shows that no matter what the so we went to a British-Pakistani and its sustainability, and later, My Canadian experience has Western society. I disagreed with diff erences you can make it work if school in Jeddah, which really Thailand to explore sustainable been the most life-changing and many and still stayed very linked there is love and friendship. instilled in me the love for art, tourism. has taught me a lot about myself to my artwork which related to culture and Urdu language. By the After my MSc, I decided to and my values. My experience Pakistani culture. I was proud to Continued on Page 6 6 GULF TIMES Tuesday, October 24, 2017 COMMUNITY COVER SOTRY

Continued from Page 5 Independence Day last August, but are nowhere near the next Unique as it is, does the distinct door neighbours they ought to identity feel like a privilege or be. What do you think keeps burden in a geographical sense? them apart, and what can I always thought of it as a privilege possibly bring them close enough and never a burden as I was fond to at least live in harmony? of visiting both countries during In Pakistan, particularly in summer vacations. I would wear Karachi, I love the resilient nature clothes Made in India in Pakistani and warm spirit of the people. In parties, and vice versa. I got to see India, I love the organised chaos and both similar, albeit diff erent cultures, fast life of Delhi, its bright colours and it was a good harmony of the and handicrafts. In both places, I mind for me. I had a phrase that I love the diversity and tolerance. I would say to explain this harmony: I always wonder what a super power love India, but I own Pakistan. Visa the subcontinent would have been if issues and police reporting were the all of us were united. Brutal historic cheap price we paid for this privilege. events and misunderstandings have Some might think of these as a kept the countries apart and only burden, but I was happy that I was friendship, art and trade can keep able to discover another country, them in harmony. Maybe, then we which most of my friends weren’t will be able to solve bigger problems really able to. that we both face together.

Purely from a reader’s point How do you relate to art? What of view, how, if at all, does the best describes the medium? The Blue Mosque on The Bosphorus in Istanbul, Turkey. identity bit play out at home I don’t ever remember a time when India and Pakistan are where I wasn’t connected to art. but watercolour is the medium that What does it take to harness global mainstream art, I feel a lot locked in a battle say, on a cricket I remember growing up, winning I have been working on for the past the craft? of Pakistan’s ethnic and cultural fi eld? the ‘Artist of the Year Award’ at decade. My mother was the one who Many people ask about how to art and handicrafts are ignored Mostly, my father, brother and school every year besides ruining helped me start watercolours when become an artist — most think of and my work is a small attempt in I support the Pakistani team and our home walls much before that. I was barely 16. She motivated me to it only in a commercial sense, but showing how this country, too, has my mother acts as a bridge since Hence, I relate to it by nature almost paint at least one a day! they do not realise the time that is many cultures that radiate vibrant Pakistan has been the underdog for subconsciously; fortunately, I found I also grew up inspired by invested in harnessing this skill. It colours and ethnic traditions quite some time. Sometimes when a medium as versatile, challenging (world renowned Pakistani artist) takes time, perseverance, and then, a involving art that has existed since India is winning, we actually get and meditative as watercolours. They Sadequain’s incomplete painting on bit of courage to cross the hesitation centuries, such as Sindh’s blue mildly annoyed by our mother for have really become my identity. the ceiling of the famed Frere Hall that artists have within, in reaching pottery, Balochistan’s tribal music defending the Indian team (in her (left in that state because he passed their goal. and embroidery, and so on. Hence, heart) and so she gets to hear, Zyada What genre do you practice and away). I still remember staring at it my inspiration to start working on Indian na banein (Don’t try to be what — or who — inspired you to in awe as an 11-year-old and getting What themes appeal the most such art comes from the colours overtly Indian) from me. get into it? inspired by the immense detail and to you? I see and how I want the world to Watercolours — and that’s it. On hard work that went into it. That’s From most of my work, you see it. What do you most like about a creative level, I work with stained how I pushed myself to work in can tell that there is a very South Pakistan and India, respectively? glass art and some DIYs at home, detailed watercolour paintings. Asian/desi connect to it. In the Continued on Page 7 The two celebrated their 70th “In Pakistan, particularly in Karachi, I love the resilient nature and warm spirit of the people. In India, I love the organised chaos and fast life of Delhi, its bright colours and handicrafts. In both places, I love the diversity and tolerance. I always wonder what a super power the subcontinent would have been if all of us were united” Abdul Sattar Edhi — one of the world's greatest philanthropists , who ever lived, surrounded by orphan children. Pakistani Truck Art. Tuesday, October 24, 2017 GULF TIMES 7 COVER STORY COMMUNITY

Victim of Congo Violence. Vietnamese Refugee Child. Bharatanatyam Dancer. The Pakistani Bride.

Continued from Page 6 with a good education meant to me that I could bring some good to the What do you consider to be country and also have an impact on your best work and why? the issues that matter to me, such as My series of paintings for the the environment. I assume I got this exhibition on ‘Women in Armed trait from my father, who, despite all Confl ict’ was my best series, in my fears and tensions, always wanted opinion, mainly because of how to set up a hospital in Pakistan that testing it was. I remember thinking would provide quality and aff ordable so hard about the women that face care. Fortunately, I’ve found the same confl ict (for no fault of theirs) and enthusiasm in my husband, Abdullah how they manage to survive — or Faiz, who currently works as Project may be not — through the turmoil. Engineer in P&G and wants to be My favourite painting of that series a part of the workforce in Pakistan was of the Sudanese women fl eeing that gives back to the country with South Sudan with kids tied to high mark work ethic. It’s been a their backs and luggage over their great experience for me to be here heads. Through those series, I won and I proudly call myself a Vapistani the Women’s Centre Scholarship (loosely translated a Pakistani while I was doing my Masters in returnee). Sustainability Management at the University of Toronto. What is the most important life My next favourite work is a series lesson that you think held you in of Sufi paintings I made — those good stead? were the reason how my work got I remember when I was giving a lot of appreciation. They were my O Level exams back in 2009, also judged by the MARTYS 2016 I was going through a tough time (Mississaga Arts Council Awards) and my mother, using a calligraphy in Toronto which led me to win the pen, wrote in Urdu, Himmat se ‘Emerging Artist of the Year Award’. I badal jaata hai taqdeer ka dhaara also did a lot of charity work through (with resilience, you can change the my paintings — both for women in circle of fate). Those magical words confl ict, but also refugees in Syria — have stayed with me and helped me raising about $20,000 and through persevere through all tough times that work I won the Hazel McCallion and, then some. They hold good even Volunteer of the Year Award as well at when I sit down contemplating an the MARTYS 2016. art work! THE TEACHER: Fatima Fasih interacting with students during a class.

Have you exhibited your work? Do you sell art? Yes, I’ve exhibited my work at plenty of local art cafes and also in the Aga Khan Museum last year in Toronto. I hope to exhibit work soon in beautiful places such as the TDF Ghar in Karachi as well. I sell my work on Etsy, but also create commissioned pieces for art lovers and it has helped me hone and sharpen my skills even more.

What brought you back to Pakistan when it would have been much more convenient to enjoy the greener pastures in Canada? I’m often asked this and each time my response is this: living in any part of the world or country is tough. There are pros and cons of living in FAMILY PORTRAIT: From left, Fatima's father, Dr Syed Fasihuddin, a pulmonologist; her husband, Abdullah Faiz, an engineer; Fatima herself; her mother, every place and moving to Pakistan Ilmana Quraishi, a gynaecologist; and brother, Ismail Fasih, who is set to become a kinesilogist. 8 GULF TIMES Tuesday, October 24, 2017 COMMUNITY

Ta’allum Education Group honours staff members

The Ta’allum Education Group, a subsidiary of Ghanim Bin Saad Al-Saad & Sons and comprising Award; long service awards; and the overall School of Excellence award. Staff members with 10 Al Jazeera Academy, Al Maha Academy for Boys and Al Maha Academy for Girls, celebrated its years of service were recognised and thanked, and Ahmed al-Mannai, Ta’allum Group CEO, was annual Staff Appreciation and Awards Ceremony recently. given special recognition for his outstanding leadership on behalf of Ghanim Bin Saad. As many as 170 staff members were given trophies, certificates of appreciation and cash The CEO thanked all employees, especially those who have demonstrated significant dedication rewards for their extraordinary performances in various departments across the Ta’allum Group and eff ort in progressing the development of the organisation and achieving continued success. In Academies. addition, Director of Education Dr Mohamed Saefan thanked all employees for their persistence in Academic and administrative staff members were honoured with a range of awards, including preparing students to be successful leaders and active members of the Qatari society through the those for the outstanding results produced in internal, IGCSE & AS exams for the 2016/17; the CEO implementation of a well-developed educational curriculum.

Mexican Gastronomic IIS student wins Week from October 29 some of the most traditional Mexican bites. biggest food producer in the world. Since 2010, traditional Mexican cuisine “Our Agrifood exporting revenues Qatar residents and visitors will have the has been listed as Intangible Cultural are greater than those made from oil or Qatar National opportunity to savour authentic Mexican Heritage of Humanity by Unesco. tourism,” the embassy added, citing that cuisine at the Mexican Gastronomic Week “As stated by this organisation, our Mexico is the fourth exporter worldwide and at St Regis Doha’s Astor Grill Restaurant, traditional cuisine is a comprehensive fi rst in Latin America of vegetables, roots Music Contest scheduled from October 29 to November cultural model comprising farming, and tubers. 4, The Mexican embassy in Doha has ritual practices, age-old skills, culinary Mexico is also the fi rst global producer announced. techniques and ancestral community and exporter of avocados, mangos and Nabeel Abdul Salam, a Class 10 student of Ideal The event, sponsored by Qatar Airways, customs and manners,” the embassy said. cucumber, and the second largest exporter Indian School, won a Gold Medal in the first Qatar will off er guests a set menu of traditional “The Mexican cuisine has given the world: and producer of lemons. It is also the second National Music Competition in the Arabic Vocal- Mexican food prepared by renowned chef corn, cacao, tomato, avocado, vanilla, and largest exporter of tomatoes, and fourth Solo category held at Katara Drama Theatre Ana Martorell daily from 1pm to 4pm and chili, among many other products.” largest producer of berries. recently. from 6pm to 11pm. The embassy noted that Mexico has been In addition, Mexico is the seventh largest Organised by The Moving Young Artists in On November 3, St Regis’ famous brunch constantly growing its capacity to become producer of beef in the world, exporting association with Qatar National Commission will feature a special food station, off ering a global food power, making it the 12th halal products to the world, including Qatar. for Education, Culture and Science and Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, the competition is Qatar’s largest musical contest targeted at young musicians on national level. Nabeel was the only Indian student to compete with other Arab nationals, presenting Arab classical and traditional songs in the finals. He Heung Kyeong Park, ambassador of Korea to Qatar, presented a memento, medal, certificate and cash award of QR1,000 to Nabeel in the felicitation ceremony held at Katara Drama Theatre. School President Dr Hassan Kunhi M P and Principal Syed Shoukath Ali congratulated Nabeel on his achievement.

QMASS mourns Mahatma Gandhi University professor

QMASS remembered Dr V C Harris, the Director of School of Letters at Lalit Kala Academy and also worked for the Malayalam division of Kendra Mahatma Gandhi University, at a recent condolence meeting. Dr Harris Sahithya Academy. passed away in an accident in the Indian state of Kerala earlier this month. At the condolence meeting at the Indian Cultural Centre, QMASS Hailing from the old French territory of Mahe, Harris had spent his President Lilar Parambath welcomed the gathering. Manmmadhan professional life in Calicut, Trivandrum and Kottayam and was actively Mambally, Ashik Mahe, Shuhaib Kunhikkandy, Mubarak Abdul involved in socio-cultural activities. Ahad, Rijal Kidaran, Faisal Chalakkara, Shoukath, Rizwi, Rafeek, Harris was also involved in filmmaking and film festivals, translations, Pradosh(Adayalam Qatar), and Rizwan spoke on the occasion. The writing, theatrical performances and literary criticism. He worked for Kerala keynote speaker was Ansar T K. Tuesday, October 24, 2017 GULF TIMES 9 COMMUNITY Qatar Foundation hosts leadership conference atar Foundation (QF) recently Model United Nations conferences. This others, will play a great role in helping us This year, some of the discussed topics hosted a three-day conference year, it brought together nearly 690 students, excel in our fi elds of study,” said Haya. included ‘From Debate to Action: Model UN, designed to equip young people teachers, and UN-affi liated individuals from Abdulla al-Obaidli, a Grade 11 student at Service Learning, & Social Entrepreneurship’, with the skills and knowledge to around the world, including Gilberto Duarte, Vision International School in Al Wakrah, said: ‘The Power of the Camera: How to Use Video become active and committed Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice “Participating in this conference increases to Expand Your Opportunities and Future Qglobal citizens, as well as leaders Offi cer at the United Nations ceOffi on Drugs our knowledge, promotes our leadership Career’, ‘Mastering Spontaneous Speaking inside and outside the classroom. and Crime; and Kimberly Mann, Chief of the skills, and helps us build our individual paths Skills’, and ‘United Nations in Qatar’. The 2017 Qatar Leadership Conference, Education Outreach Section of the United for the future. This is a great platform for us The THIMUN Qatar regional offi ce was now in its sixth year, was organised Nations Department of Public Information. to start preparing for college, as it teaches us created as a joint partnership between Qatar by THIMUN Qatar and Northwestern Haya al-Fakhri, a grade 9 Qatari student to communicate with people from diff erent Academy, a QF school, and the THIMUN University in Qatar (NU-Q), and took place at Michael E DeBakey High School–Qatar, backgrounds and fulfi l our objectives together.” Foundation. The offi ce, under QF’s Pre- from October 19-21 at the Qatar National participated in the conference for the fi rst “The conference features a number of University Education, supports eff orts Convention Centre. time. “It’s conferences like these that allow us diff erent workshops, with a range of topics to around the region to develop programmes The event, which is largely run by students to explore and develop important life skills. It choose from, based on what interests you. For and events for young people to seek solutions for students, serves as a platform to provide helps us grow, and prepares us for the future. every workshop we attend, we take notes and to global challenges through discussion, individuals with training prior to the annual The leadership skills we learn here, alongside later discuss them in school,” Abdulla added. negotiation, debate, and personal action.

SPEECH: Abdullah al-Qahtani, Secretary General of the 2017 Qatar Leadership Conference and Qatar Academy student, speaks at the conference. SESSION: Participants of the sixth annual Qatar Leadership Conference.

PARTICIPANTS: Students from schools around the world at the sixth annual Qatar Leadership Conference. 10 GULF TIMES Tuesday, October 24, 2017 COMMUNITY INFOGRAPHIC Tuesday, October 24, 2017 GULF TIMES 11 LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE COMMUNITY Quick tips to prepare your home for holiday guests

on decorating projects, the following are and repair any damage to key pieces, such as Create a kid-friendly space a few easy ideas to ensure your home is as the baffl e, damper or mantle, that may have If you plan on hosting friends and functional and welcoming as it is festive for occurred during the year. Next, schedule a family members who have small children, family and friends. time for a thorough chimney sweeping to take some time to kid-proof your home, remove excess buildup of soot and creosote. particularly anywhere they are likely to ‘Tis the season to repair, repaint, A clean, maintained fi replace not only makes play. Along with putting plug covers on all refresh for a festive environment, but can also serve of the outlets, remove any common hazards A pristine paint job is the perfect backdrop as an element to heat your home, reducing young kids might get into. Secure electrical for holiday entertaining. Throughout the seasonal stress on your furnace. and window treatment cords, protect year, the walls of your home take a lot of hard-edged furniture and put breakables abuse, from kids banging their toys into the Corral guest clutter in your main living out of reach. Once the groundwork for a corners and chairs hitting the walls, to the areas safe, kid-friendly space is cleared, add toys, nail holes and cracks that appear over time. There’s nothing like visiting with old games, comfy pillows and more, so they’re To restore your walls to their former glory, fi ll friends or reconnecting with family members entertained and feel welcome. in those dents, holes and cracks before you you haven’t seen in a while. Of course, with repaint. the increased foot traffi c in and out of your Prepare the outdoors, too home comes the question of where to put When it comes to prepping for holiday Create a safe, cozy area for fi reside your guests’ belongings so they are out of the guests, don’t forget about high-traffic chats way and organised. If you have a coat closet, areas outside the home. Be sure to clear the s the holidays approach, the A warm, roaring fi re is a cozy centrepiece be sure to clean it out and make room for your walkways of any snow and ice and replace decorator in us gets excited about for after-dinner storytelling and catching up guests by storing your coats in another room. outdoor lights with fresh bulbs to help how to deck the halls and drape with family and friends. Whether your home You might also consider using an additional guests safely navigate their way to your the tinsel to create a festive home is equipped with a gas or wood-burning coat rack and strategically placing some home. for the season. Social media is fi replace, it is important to ensure the unit is festive decorative baskets for holding shoes Afull of inspiration, but before you embark in good working order. First, inspect the area and purses. © Brandpoint

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

The more action you take today, the bigger the hole you’re apt to Your thinking is right in line with the group dynamic today, and you’ll No matter how many maps you look at and how many times you dig for yourself. You could be engaged in one of those situations in find working with a team to be extremely rewarding. The more you stop and ask for directions, you’ll still be unsure which road to take. which you say one thing and then are forced to stretch the truth or express your thoughts to the group, the more physical support you’ll All routes have appeal, and you don’t want to miss any sights along outright lie in order to defend your point. You’re then put in a very receive for your work. You’ll find that your actions are diplomatic the way to your destination. Remember that this isn’t the last time vulnerable position. Try your best to avoid this trap. and you’re able to see both sides of issues. Your decisions are fair that you’ll be travelling. You can always try a diff erent route next and honest. time. CANCER LEO VIRGO June 21 — July 22 July 23 — August 22 August 23 — September 22

Your well-considered actions will be eff ective today. There’s strength Indulge in a day of laughter. Things get much more serious Share your thoughts with those who can help execute them today. in your mental power. You shouldn’t hesitate to direct others toward tomorrow, so use today to have some fun before it comes time to If you have something that needs to be moved, don’t try to do it by avenues that would be good for them. You have the vision to see get down to business. If you don’t join in with the happy-go-lucky yourself. Ask around for someone with the vehicle or tools you need things that other people might not notice. People may not be able to attitude, you may get seriously depressed when you feel yourself to get it to where it needs to go. You have the resources available to see something in front of them even if they’re about to crash into it! slipping out of sync with everyone around you who’s jolly and bright. you. All you need to do is ask in order to set the gears in motion.

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

Try not to get too caught up in trying to penetrate to the core There’s a fast-paced energy in the air that suggests a dramatic Your mind may be playing tricks on you, so it isn’t necessarily in your of everything today. Enjoy the simple pleasures that are free. Be change of some sort in your life. Things may not go so well for you best interests to trust your perceptions completely. Consider other entertained by a bug walking on your windowsill. See trees as if you fail to notice the opportunities open to you. You may not need methods of solving problems that confront you. If you have fun with art. See the shapes and colours around you. Don’t view things as to work so hard simply because so many things are going your way. a situation, the solution will find its way into your hands easily. You annoyances. Most of the time the things you shun are those that can Consider ways in which you can prepare for the future. The good shouldn’t have to work especially hard to make things happen for teach you the most. times won’t last forever. you today. CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES December 22 — January 19 January 20 — February 18 February 19 — March 20

Today may be one of your last chances to say what you want about You’re apt to be drawn to lively and exciting things today. Dramatic You may have to take major action today in order to defend your a certain situation. Take advantage of the opportunity to get your and dynamic activities are the ones that you’ll be most comfortable position. Your current mindset has brought you to a certain point words out. Your thoughts may be quite progressive, so use this with. If you’re in a boring situation, think about ways you can spice it and now you’re faced with having to defend that point. It may feel forward-thinking attitude to break new ground in your project. You’ll up. Throw a wrench in the conversation to see how people react. like the school bully is demanding your lunch money. Don’t give in be rewarded accordingly for your eff orts. without a fight. The bully is just as frightened of you as you are of him. 12 GULF TIMES Tuesday, October 24, 2017 COMMUNITY CARTOONS/PUZZLES

Wordsearch Adam

Pooch Cafe

Starting Off

OFF DUTY OFFHAND OFFSET OFF SEASON OFFICE OFFSHOOT OFFAL OFFICIAL OFFSHORE OFFBEAT OFFICIATE OFFSIDE OFFEND OFFICIOUS OFFSPRING OFFENSIVE OFFING OFFER OFFPRINT

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, October 24, 2017 GULF TIMES 13 PUZZLES COMMUNITY

Super Cryptic Clues Colouring

ACROSS DOWN 1. Improve and go straight again 2. The men set a crazy nut-case (4,3,6) free, but it was a mistake (7) 8. Taking the horse round, 3. She got the meat cooked for myself, something to eat (7) “2” (3) 9. Does switch round the dollar 4. Covering for the gangster (4) and the copper coins (7) 5. A faultless description of a 11. That’s nothing to the variety crystal ball (5,5) of colour! (6) 6. What it astonishes one to see 13. Maintain it’s one’s private on the shore? (5) domain (8) 7. Sign the last “Sore and 15. In many cases, missing a fat bewildered” (7) one out (5) 8. A suggestion for the office (11) 16. Bring out a coloured sheath 10. It will advise you there’s been for the gun (7) a reduction in the rates (11) 18. Become harsh and set a snare 12. GI returning to a place in Italy Answers by the horse (7) (5) 19. The fact is, Maud’s wrong 14. A sign of possessiveness (10) about the time (5) 17. More across and out (5) Wordsearch Codeword 21. A look from the person you 18. Stick around, longing for locked in the cold storage something hot to eat (7) room? (3,5) 20. Call after the meal, in a great 23. Rascally, managed to hurry (7) smuggle in the painting (6) 22. A little confused, left out the 25. How the dentist who does name (5) extractions all day works? 24. So that could be a grouse (3-4) egg (4) 26. More prepared to fade into 27. A cone dropped on one (3) the background (7) 28. Drive back (7,6)

Yesterday’s Solutions

ACROSS: 1 Discarded 8 DOWN: 1 Dashing 2 Spartan 3 Unleash 9 Statics 10 Smarter Aping 4 Disdain 5 Duns 6 Tear 13 Integral 14 Side 16 Gun- 7 Cheroot 11 Missel 12 Tree 15 runners 20 Rest 22 Pain 24 Drag 17 Una 18 Reno 19 Niggle Gate-legged 28 Gong 29 Stew- 21 See 22 Probity 23 Igor 25 pans 31 Baronet 34 Combine Enticer 26 Granite 27 Descent 35 Theatre 36 Stringent. 30 Women 32 Oman 33 Ties. 14 GULF TIMES Tuesday, October 24, 2017 COMMUNITY POP SPOT

in brief

Sia

November 17 has been announced as the release date for Sia’s new album, Everyday Is Christmas. As the title implies, the album is a collection of Christmas songs. It is the first Christmas album Sia has ever made. However, typical of Adelaide-born Sia, it is a Christmas album with a diff erence. It contains no traditional Christmas songs. All ten tracks are newly written songs by Sia and producer Greg Kurstin based around the general Christmas holiday theme. Everyday Is Christmas also marks Sia’s debut album for Atlantic Records. She decided not to renew her previous deal with RCA Records. A multi-talented artist, Sia is currently in the process of directing her first feature film. Sisters is based upon a one-page story which Sia wrote eight years ago. She co-wrote the screenplay with her friend Dallas Clayton, a children’s book author. The film stars Sia’s frequent collaborator, dancer Maddie Ziegler. Sia’s most recent musical release also has a film connection. Rainbow is the lead single from the soundtrack album of My Little Pony: The Movie. The video, which again features Maddie Ziegler, is posted at www.youtube.com/watch?v=paXOkGMyG8M Jeff Lynne’s Elo

November 17 is also the release date for Wembley Or Bust, a live CD and DVD of the acclaimed Wembley Stadium concert performed this past June by Jeff Lynne’s ELO. Jeff expressed himself as delighted with the show. He said of the gig: “It’s the best time I ever had in music. LOYAL: The emerging singer says she wants to represent the UK no matter what and no matter where in the world she might be. It’s beyond anything that I could have imagined.” Fans do not have to wait those few more weeks to get at least a taster from the concert. The band’s rendition of Turn To Stone has been posted on YouTube. Steff lon dreams of becoming The song was originally the lead single from the Electric Light Orchestra’s 1977 album, Out Of The Blue. Their Wembley Or Bust performance can be seen at www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXpjF1qtpt0. leading light on UK rap The 1977 off icial video for Turn To Stone is also on YouTube but the sound quality is poor. If you would released but a record deal soon followed. “I didn’t really know a lot of British like to compare the Wembley version with the By Geoff rey Rowlands Universal were so impressed that they music apart from Dizzee Rascal and So original recording, a better quality audio posting is at created a subsidiary label, 54 London, Solid Crew. In addition to my parents’ www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpJJzF6dtVI specifi cally for Steff . love of Jamaican music, most of my early teffl on Don knows what she “I put my fi rst song on YouTube in 2013 infl uences came from the dance music Bjork wants and fully intends to achieve but I knew it wasn’t that great. As time went of Rotterdam’s immigrant communities, her ambitions. The 25-year-old by, my raps started to improve. I was thinking Spanish, Suriname, Portuguese and The accusations made against film producer Harvey mother of one son set her sights more about the lyrics. But it wasn’t until 2015 Turkish. Weinstein have empowered other women to speak on becoming a leading light on that I felt comfortable and confi dent that I “I actually wasn’t keen on rap when out about their own experiences of sexual abuse and Sthe UK rap scene. Profi le-raising guest was producing work of genuine quality.” I was young. I liked singers such as harassment. appearances on tracks by artists such as Although she is staunchly British, Whitney Houston or Usher and I’d always Gymnast McKayla Maroney has made it known Jeremih, Lethal Bizzle and Jax Jones, backed Steff ’s childhood was mostly spent in the perform Destiny’s Child songs in school that she was subjected to “treatments” by the US by her own Real Ting mixtape, paved the Netherlands. productions. It was only in my later teens team doctor, Larry Nassar. Now, Icelandic singer way for the top ten chart success she is “My family lived in Holland for nine when I got into people like Lil’ Kim, Missy / songwriter Bjork has written about the sexual currently enjoying with her latest single, years from when I was about four. It was Elliot and Foxy Brown.” harassment she allegedly experienced from Danish Hurtin’ Me. supposed to be a holiday but my parents Despite this love of American artists and film director Lars von Trier during the making of the Yet the woman born Stephanie Allen liked it so much that we ended up living all the years she spent in Holland, Steff is so 2000 film, Dancer In The Dark. to Jamaican immigrant parents living in Rotterdam. There was less violence attached to her home country and adopted Bjork says: “I became aware that a director can touch in Birmingham, England, was a relative and crime. Weed was legal there so that home city that she chose a stage name and harass his actresses at will and the institution latecomer to the music business. It was eliminated a lot of crime. The education which is pronounced Steff London. of film allows it. When I turned the director down just three years ago when Steff fi rst found a system was also really good. It came as a “My musical style is varied in the sense repeatedly, he sulked and punished me and created degree of fame. culture shock when we moved to London. that I might move between Jamaican patois, for his team an impressive net of illusion where I was She did so as a remixer of hip hop and “My school was so bad and so diff erent. London rapping and singing in an American framed as the diff icult one.” grime tracks, most notably Rae Sremmurd’s I attended a really small school in Holland accent all within the same track. But I In response to Bjork’s statement, Lars von Trier said: No Type and Section Boyz’ Lock Arff . and I suddenly found myself at this massive always want to represent the UK no matter “That was not the case. But we were definitely not Support from Link Up TV and SB:TV school with more than two thousand what and no matter where in the world I friends, that’s a fact. On the other hand, she delivered brought her work to public attention. pupils. The kids were so rude, noisy and might be. one of the greatest-ever performances in my movies.” “I had a friend who was helping me along disrespectful to the teachers. Any kid who “I do want to branch out and become Producer Peter Aalbaek Jenson also refuted Bjork’s the way,” she explained. “He thought I did anything like that in Holland would be a world-wide artist. I always want to be claims. He said: “As far as I remember, we were the was doing too many remixes but I told him excluded. I didn’t want to be there. It took known as British but I don’t want to be put victims. That woman was stronger than both Lars people like these songs so it would be cool if me about a year before I became cool with in a box where people might think my songs von Trier and me and our company put together. She I do a better job than the original mix.” the school.” are only aimed at the UK market. I believe dictated everything.” It wasn’t long before a publishing Her musical roots also lie in the my music is more than good enough to be Only those concerned know the complete truth of contract was signed. Real Ting was self- Netherlands. enjoyed by people everywhere.” what may have happened. Tuesday, October 24, 2017 GULF TIMES 15 SHOWBIZ COMMUNITY Clooney: Hollywood scandal is a watershed moment

ctor George Clooney “witch hunt atmosphere” after hopes the current several actresses blamed Weinstein scenario where women of sexually harassing them. are voicing their cases “That’s a stupid thing to say,” of sexual harassment Clooney responded. Ais a “watershed moment for society “The reality is it’s not a witch where women feel safe enough” to hunt to these women who were talk about the issue. trapped in a hotel room and told On Sunday, at the premiere of his they were going to get a part and latest directorial foray Suburbicon, then suddenly here comes Harvey Clooney talked about the issue, Weinstein in his birthday suit. reports the hollywoodreporter.com. That’s an assault. It’s not just “What we hope is this is a Hollywood it’s all of society and watershed moment for society we’re going to have to come to where women feel safe enough terms with it because we haven’t to talk about this issue, feel yet,” he added. believed and where men who are “It’s infuriating and it’s committing these crimes and also infuriating when I read violations don’t feel safe and feel stories about reporters who did as if they do these things they’re investigations and didn’t print it for going to be outed, sued and may 10 years. Then you go, ‘Why didn’t even get litigated and go to jail for you print that story? I would have it,” said Clooney. liked to have seen it. And I would “If we can get to that point then like to know who brought actresses we actually succeeded. This thing up to Harvey Weinstein’s room and won’t end up just being Harvey then left. I’d like to know that’.” Weinstein jokes in three months,” Actor Matt Damon remains he added. optimistic about how these stories In addition, stars including can bring change. Jessica Chastain, Brie Larson, “I really do believe there is going Patricia Arquette, Judd Apatow and to be major change. There won’t be Seth Rogen have all spoken out in this type of behaviour anymore,” one way or another. said Damon. Clooney also spoke out against Damon hopes victims of these fi lmmaker Woody Allen’s remark crimes speak out worldwide and OPTIMISTIC: George Clooney says women feel safe enough to speak against sexual harassment. that Hollywood had created a not just in Hollywood. – IANS

Rani Mukerji’s father dead at 84 Rani’s debut film Biyer Phool in 1996. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata actress ’s father Banerjee mourned his death. Ram , a writer and filmmaker, “Saddened at the passing of veteran died here early on Sunday. He was 84. filmmaker Ram Mukherjee. My His wife Krishna told IANS over condolences to his family,” tweeted phone: “He was admitted to the Breach Banerjee. Candy Hospital from October 13 and his Actor tweeted: treatment was going on. Unfortunately, his “Really sad to hear Ram Mukherjee passed body was not responding to the treatment away. I had an opportunity to work with that well this time. Last night, his blood him in Rakta Nadir Dhara, Raktalekha, pressure suddenly dropped around 5 am.” Biyer Phool. RIP Ramda.” In a voice full of emotion, she said: “He Rani, along with husband Aditya is no more, everything is finished.” Chopra, was present at the last rites at Vile Ram, one of the founders of Filmalaya Parle West here. Studios here, had directed films like Hum Actors Aamir Khan, Anil Kapoor and Hindustani and Leader. Ranveer Singh were among the others who He had also directed and produced came to pay their last respects. – IANS

CANDID: Director Feroz Abbas Khan says it’s the content that eventually drives the show.

All projects don’t need actors following in accordance with the big names: Feroz Abbas latest trend of big screen actors working for the digital platform. Director Feroz Abbas Khan, who Khan told IANS: “Many a times it released a fi ve-episode courtroom drama depends on what your content is, and web series on sex education titled Sex accordingly you do the casting. When I Ki Adalat last month, believes every made the musical Mughal-e-Azam, many project does not need a well-known people asked me this question. Today, it actor’s association as it’s the content that is the biggest hit. It does not have a single eventually drives the show. known name like that. Khan’s series, available on YouTube, “Some of the most popular projects on covers taboo and debatable topics like social media have not a single big name but India’s obsession with male child and were big because of the content. Internet virginity infused with scientifi c facts in the is a very diff erent world. It can clearly form of a courtroom drama. absolutely trend on the strength of the NO MORE: Late Ram Mukherjee with his daughter Rani Mukerji. However, the series is devoid of big fi lm content.” – IANS 16 GULF TIMES Tuesday, October 24, 2017 COMMUNITY ‘The UN remains our best hope’ Today marks the 72nd anniversary of the United Nations. On this day, there’s much to be hopeful about and still some to criticise, reports Mudassir Raja

OPTIMISTIC: Ambassador of Portugal to Qatar Antonio Tanger Correa believes that “as long as we all are committed to dialogue, Earth remains a SPOTLIGHT: The UN headquarters in New York City, USA. safe home.”

he 72nd anniversary of the United Nations (UN) “The UN has so far not been able falls today on October 24 and while there is to implement its charter with much debate on the effT ectiveness of the world body, one full spirit and justly. The body thing remains perfectly clear: it is the only organisation with enough maintains diff erent positions on world membership to be able to make a diff erence. diff erent issues in the world. The Ambassador of Portugal Antonio Tanger Correa, in his UN is controlled by fi ve permanent message to Community, said, “The United Nations is the global members of the Security Council. international body for discussing and maintaining peace and co- These countries oft en watch operation in our world. “Although often criticised for REPRESENTATIVE: Dr Anna their national interests instead of not being more proactive, the UN Paolini, Director of Unesco Qatar. CANDID: Dr Ahmed H Ibrahim remains our best hope for keeping promoting the UN charter” confi dence in a better world. As issues confronting humanity in and sustainable development and long as we all are committed to the 21st century, such as peace intercultural dialogue through – Dr Ahmed H Ibrahim, head of dialogue, Earth remains a safe and security, climate change, education, the sciences, culture, home.” sustainable development, human communication and information. department of international aff airs It was on October 24 in 1945 rights, disarmament, terrorism, Unesco has been based in Doha that representatives of 50 humanitarian and health since the 1970s. Working in support at Qatar University countries met in San Francisco, emergencies, gender equality, of Qatar and the Gulf region, the USA at the United Nations governance, food production, and Doha offi ce’s vision is to empower Conference on International more. women and men – in particular Unesco’s Man and the Biosphere basic and necessary points such Organization to draw up the October 24 has been celebrated the youth – with the capacities to (MAB) programme. Home to as maintaining world peace and United Nations Charter in the as the UN Day since 1948. In contribute to knowledge-based gazelles and the elusive Arabian protecting basic human rights.” backdrop of the World War II. 1971, the UN General Assembly economies through education, oryx, the Al Reem reserve has He added, “The UN has so far not Those delegates deliberated on recommended that the day be science, culture, communication been managed in partnership by been able to implement its charter the basis of proposals worked out observed by member states as a and information, in close Unesco and the Qatar Ministry of with full spirit and justly. The body by the representatives of China, public holiday. partnership with member states, Environment and Municipality maintains diff erent positions on then the Soviet Union, the United Dr Anna Paolini, director of private sector and civil society. for the last ten years, with a diff erent issues in the world. The Kingdom and the United States at Unesco Qatar, told Community, Unesco’s mandate is increasingly long-term vision for sustainable UN is controlled by fi ve permanent Dumbarton Oaks, United States in “UN Day off ers an opportunity to relevant.” management,” the director said. members of the Security Council. August-October 1944. recognise both the challenges the She added, “In Qatar, Al Zubarah However, there are many who These countries often watch The UN charter was signed on world is facing today, as well as the heritage site was inscribed on the believe the world body needs to their national interests instead of June 26, 1945 by representatives of important work being done on a Unesco World Heritage List. With do much more to be true to its promoting the UN charter.” the 50 countries. Today, the UN is daily basis, and to refl ect on how we the support of Unesco and Qatar goals. Dr Ahmed H Ibrahim, head Dr Ibrahim said that there needs made up of 193 member states. can all contribute to realising the Museums, the site’s designation of department of international to be a balanced representation The UN missions and works vision of ‘We the Peoples’.” serves as a reminder of the aff airs at Qatar University, told of member states in the Security are guided by the purposes The director also highlighted importance of conserving and Community that the world body Council. He said that there should and principles contained in its the work carried out by Unesco, protecting the world heritage and needs to do more to implement its be representation of Middle East, founding charter. Due to the which is a specialised agency of culture.” charter across the world. Africa, Latin America and South powers vested in its charter and the United Nations. She said, “The “The Al Zubarah site is, in fact, He said, “The message is good Asia in the council. The balance is its unique international character, Unesco contributes to the building part of Qatar’s Al Reem Biosphere but the messenger is not. The necessary to implement the charter the UN can take action on the of peace, the eradication of poverty, Reserve, which is enrolled under charter of the UN enshrines very in letter and spirit, he noted.