DOHA 16°C—22°C TODAY PUZZLES 12 & 13 D LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE 14 L P Sunday, December 11, 2016 Rabia I 12, 1438 AH Community Best Buddies Qatar organises art and sports activities to mark The International Day of People with Disabilities. P7 P16 Community Legendary musicians Ustad Zakir Hussain and Hariharan perform to over a thousand ghazal aficionados at the QNCC. The maestro Hariharan on the art of ghazal, combining with tabla genius Ustad Zakir Hussain, and more. P4-5 COVER STORY
Emergency 999Worldwide Emergency Number 112Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991Local Directory 180International Calls Enquires 150Hamad International Airport 40106666Labor Department 44508111, 44406537Mowasalat Taxi 44588888Qatar Airways 44496000Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222, 44393333Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation 44845555, 44845464Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333 44593363 Qatar Assistive Technology Centre 44594050Qatar News Agency 44450205 44450333Q-Post – General Postal Corporation 44464444
Humanitarian Services Offi ce (Single window facility for the repatriation of bodies)Ministry of Interior 40253371, 40253372, 40253369Ministry of Health 40253370, 40253364Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365Qatar Airways 40253374
SYNOPSIS: The Girl With All The Gifts is a British post-apocalyptic zombie horror drama fi lm adapted from the novel of the same name. The plot depicts a dystopian future following a breakdown of society after most of humanity is wiped out by a fungal infection and focuses upon the struggle of a scientist, a teacher and two soldiers who embark on a journey of survival with a special young girl named Melanie.
THEATRES: Mall Cinema, Landmark, Royal Plaza
Kavi Uddeshichathu..? (Malayalam)DIRECTED BY: Thomas Liju
ThomasWRITTEN BY: Thomas, Martin
DuroCAST: Asif Ali, Biju Menon,
Narain, Anju KurianSYNOPSIS: The story of Kavi
Uddeshichathu..? is set in a place called Allimoola, which is known for crazy volleyball fans present over there. Kavalam Jimmy (Asif Ali) and Vattathil Bosco (Narain) are always at loggerheads. Both of them form volleyball teams for a bet that they have placed. Then enters Minnal
Simon (Biju Menon), who is out there to help Jimmy in the role of a volleyball coach. What happens next has been narrated in an interesting way in Kavi Uddheshichathu..?
THEATRES: Mall Cinema, Landmark
Mall Cinema (1): Befikre (Hindi) 2pm; Bad Santa 2 (2D) 4:15pm; Moana (2D) 6pm; Kavi (Malayalam) 8:15pm; Dhruva (Telugu) 10:45pm.Mall Cinema (2): Moana (2D) 2:15pm; Moana (2D) 4:30pm; Moana (2D) 6:45pm; Befikre (Hindi) 9pm; The Girl with All The Gift (2D) 11:30pm.Mall Cinema (3): The Girl With All The Gifts (2D) 2pm; Wolves At The Door (2D) 4pm; Underworld: Blood Wars (2D) 5:30pm; The Neighbor (2D) 7:15pm; Wolves At The Door (2D) 9:30pm; Chennai 600825 (Tamil) 11pm.Landmark Cinema (1): Befikre (Hindi) 2pm; Bad Santa 2 (2D) 4:15pm; Underworld: Blood Wars (2D) 5:45pm; Wolves At The Door
(2D) 7:30pm; Kavi (Malayalam) 9pm; Wolves At The Door (2D) 11:30pm.Landmark Cinema (2): Moana (2D) 2:30pm; Moana (2D) 4:45pm; Moana (2D) 7pm; Befikre (Hindi) 9:15pm; The Girl With All The Gifts (2D) 11:30pm.Landmark Cinema (3): The Neighbor (2D) 2:15pm; Chennai 600825 (Tamil) 4pm; Chennai 600825 (Tamil) 6:45pm; The Neighbor (2D) 9:15pm; Chennai 600825 (Tamil) 10:45pm.Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (1): Moana (2D) 2pm; Moana (2D) 4:15pm; Moana (2D) 6:30pm; Underworld: Blood Wars (2D)
8:45pm; Dhruva (Telugu) 10:30pm.Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (2): Dhurva (Telugu) 2pm; The Girl With All The Gifts (2D) 5pm; The Unmarried Wife (2D) 7pm; Befikre (Hindi) 9:15pm; Wolves At The Door (2D) 11:30pm.Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (3): Befikre (Hindi) 2pm; The Neighbor (2D) 4:30pm; Bad Santa 2 (2D) 6:15pm; Wolves At The Door (2D) 8pm; The Neighbor (2D) 9:45pm; The Girl With All The Gifts (2D) 11:30pm.Asian Town Cinema: Ore Mugham (Malayalam) 5:30, 8 & 10:30pm; Kattappana (Malayalam) 6 & 8:45pm; Dhruva (Telugu) 6:30pm; Chennai 600825 (Tamil) 8:15pm; Befikre (Hindi) 5:45 &11pm.
Muhammad Ali: Tribute to a LegendDATE: Until February 25, 2017WHERE: Eastern Gallery, 4th Floor,
Museum of Islamic Art The temporary exhibition is curated by
Qatar Museums’ 3-2-1 Olympic and Sports Museum and presents a unique collection of artefacts from the boxing legend’s career, including photography from Ali’s outdoor exhibition bout at the Doha Stadium in 1971 and memorabilia spanning his journey to the 1960 Rome Olympics; Ali’s world title winning bout against Sonny Liston in 1964 and his final world title winning fight against Leon Spinks in New Orleans in 1978.
Al Gannas(For school students) Until March 31 20179am – NoonAl Gannas SocietyFree ( For boys only, requires
registration) Al Gannas association is participating in
the “Our culture is a school” programme, by organising many activities for the students every Monday and Wednesday of the week.
These activities include explanations on hunting and related items tools, kinds of falcons and preys, in addition to workshop on how to carry a falcon, set a traditional tent (made of goat & camel heir), prepare traditional Arabic coffee and start a fire. For further details, visit katara.net
Qatar Music Academy(For school students) Until March 28, 201711am - 2pmFree (Requires registration) Qatar Music Academy focuses on
teaching its students the principles of Arab and Western music. As part of the “Our Culture is a School” programme, Qatar Music Academy has offered interested schools the opportunity to attend various workshops. These workshops will include an introduction to Arab and Western music and instruments, as well as the teachers giving a brief overview of the educational music programmes at the Academy. For further details, visit katara.net
QMASS general body meetingDATE: December 16TIME: 4pmVENUE: ICCA general body meeting of the forum of
expatriates from Mahe and neighbouring regions of Kerala is scheduled to take place on December 16 at ICC. All members are requested to attend the meeting. The executive committee requests all the expatriates hailing from the above mentioned regions to take part and to get registered.
Football for DevelopmentDATE: Until December 16TIME: 5pm-9pmVENUE: Mesaimeer With the success of the pilot training
conducted jointly by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) and Naaas Group for Real Estate Project Management & Development, in July and August this year, the first in a series of Generation Amazing’s Football for Development Programme was inaugurated on October 14.
The programme continues every Friday from 5pm until 9pm at Labor City, Mesaimeer with a look of festivity, grandeur and boundless energy.
The training programme, held once a week, involves football-based activities and drills to educate, train and develop the social, behavioural and lifestyle patterns of the recipients. This, in turn, leaves a positive legacy on the society and the
world at large. The concept is for each participant to absorb the values of inclusion, health, well-being and awareness of the environment around us.
Under the accomplished supervision of Naas and the SC, this 10-week programme is an excellent platform to use the power of football as a catalyst for social change, empower the next generation and allow Qatar to leave a lasting legacy as a result of hosting World Cup 2022.
Treasures of ChinaDATE: Until January 7, 2017VENUE: Museum of Islamic ArtTerracotta soldiers from the First
Emperor’s Terracotta Army will be on show at the Museum of Islamic Art where visitors will get the chance to meet the warriors who guarded a hidden empire. The exhibition will display 116 pieces dating from the Neolithic period to the Qing Dynasty, spanning over 5,000 years of China’s history. Potteries, bronzes, jades, porcelains, gold, silver, enamel and many other Chinese treasures will be on show.
Tumbao Latin NightsDATE: Every SundayVENUE: Grand Hyatt HotelTumbao is not only a salsa rhythm, it
enables you to share in the creative flow
of life and get connected to the beat and dance. Join us every Sunday at Dunes with the fellow Latin dancers in town and nightly competitions with valuable prizes brought to you by Salsa n Candela. For more info & reservation, contact 44481280.
Cake Decoration ClassesDATE: Morning and eveningVENUE: Tavola Royal Plaza, Al Saad
StreetTavola offers a range of cake decorating
and kitchen skills classes. It is the only authorised Wilton method provider in the Middle East. It is authorised by Wilton enterprises to conduct classes in the Wilton Method cake decorating and the Wilton Method Instructors (WMI) training programmes by Knightsbridge PME (UK). Tavola conducts sugar-crafting programmes and also offers programmes in baking and chocolate making.
The BackyardDATE: Every FridayTIME: 6pmVENUE: Sheraton Grand DohaThe Backyard is a first-of-its-kind venue
in Doha and brought to you by Candela entertainment. Live music every Friday with a variety of your favourite local bands and occasional surprises of bigger performers! Entrance: QR100 for gents including one beverage/ladies free entrance until 8:30pm, after it will be QR65 for ladies including one beverage.
Fitness TrainingDATE: Sunday, Tuesday, ThursdayTIME: 6pm-7pmVENUE: MIA ParkThere are fitness classes in the park on
Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday nights between 6 and 7pm. Open to all levels of fitness, Bootcamp is an intensive and fun way to train and also meet new people in the open and friendly group atmosphere. More information, from Bootcamp, Qatar or info@ bootcampqatar.com.
FOODIE’S CHOICE
RESTAURANT: Prince of PersiaLOCATION: The Pearl-QatarAiming to address the lovers of beauty
and excellence through its magnificent decor and flavoursome menu. A warm, contemporary, luxurious atmosphere which is inherent of Persia, set alive with traditional Persian music,
and an exquisite view of the marina. The restaurant is filled with character and ambiance, the perfect place to spend quality time where you can feel comfortable and enjoy good food.
FragmentsDATE: Until January 30VENUE: KataraIn this exhibition, Mahmoud Obaidi retraces the ‘organised chaos’ that led to the
destruction of Iraq, and presents a response to witnessing the city of Baghdad fall piece by piece. Obaidi recreates what has been stolen or destroyed to try to piece the city back together again.
Sunday, December 11, 20164 GULF TIMES
COMMUNITY COVER STORY
— Hariharan, ghazal maestro and composer
“I think the importance of a song in films has eroded”
— Harihar
If you are a
newcomer to ghazal singing, it is
very diffi cult to get popular
SUNDAYCONVERSATION
By Umer Nangiana
Together with arguably, the greatest tabla (drums) player alive, he recreated the same magic the duo is known for. The enchanted
evening draped in Hariharan’s soulful voice and the incredible tabla beats from Ustad Zakir Hussain would be hard to forget for the auspicious Doha audience.
Flaring the evening up with the reverberation of his vocals, Hariharan chose to give voice to the verses from some of the masters of ghazal poetry in Urdu in the spirit of a pure classical music tradition. Selection of poetry is one trait that distinguishes a great ghazal singer. And Hariharan sure belongs to that fraternity.
One of the foremost Indian ghazal singers and composers with more than thirty albums to his credit, Hariharan holds Padma
Shri awarded by the Government of India and is a two-time National Award winner.
He brought one of his most famous albums, Hazir 2, in a concert with tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain to Doha.
He possesses a remarkably deep knowledge of Urdu language, a greater understanding of classical and semi-classical music and demonstrates an incredible control over his vocal chords.
With his captivating alaap
(gradual exposition of a raag in slow tempo coming mostly at the beginning of a ghazal) and a unique style of mixing deep bass with throated sounds in his renditions, Hariharan’s voice is always a treat to ears. His jugalbandi (an entwined duet) with the Ustad would bring a smile to your face.
Coming from a musical family, Hariharan says he has grown up listening to Urdu ghazals and learned Hindustani (language).
“I come from a family of
musicians so I was into classical music from a very early age. When I was about 16, I started singing Hindustani. My teacher Ustad Mustafa Khan was a khyal (a modern genre of classical music), but he used to sing ghazals also, so I too, got introduced to proper training of ghazal singing,” Hariharan tells Community in a chat before the start of his concert at Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC).
He got attracted to Urdu poetry
VETERAN: With more than thirty albums to his credit, Hariharan holds Padma Shri awarded by the Government of India and is a two-time National Award winner. Photos by Umer Nangiana
5Sunday, December 11, 2016 GULF TIMES
COMMUNITYCOVER STORY
and learned Urdu language properly to be able to get to the depth of the poetry. All this training and learning made it easy for Hariharan to master ghazal singing.
From Mumtaz Rashid to Ahmad Faraz and other contemporary poets of India and Pakistan, he has sung a variety of poetry. Faraz, he holds as one of the poets that personally fascinated him. Sheheryar from Aligarh in India is the other.
It is generally held singing the short beher (meter of a couplet in a ghazal) ghazals is the most diffi cult. The maestro, however, rejects the conception.
“It is not so. I have sung the shortest beher ghazals with the same ease. Consider this one; Shidat-e-gham hai, beqarari hai, Raat guzri nahin, guzari hai, from Naqsh Laal Puri. It is all about giving a suitable rhythm to the short beher ghazal,” observes the maestro.
Like his contemporaries, Hariharan also popularised ghazal and took it to the younger audience that was increasingly more interested in popular music. He often mixes popular music with the traditional ghazal music.
“I have done it more than anybody else. And I have started a new genre called Urdu Blues. I have an album called Kaash on it. I have found the patent for it as I have invented it. I believe you can use the instruments of today in ghazal,” says Hariharan.
The singer believes there is a good audience for ghazal singing even today; however, he acknowledges that not many upcoming and younger singers are attracted to ghazal. And there is a reason for it.
“It is not a genre that media supports. You do not fi nd ghazals or their videos on TV, for instance. So the only platform that you are left with to popularise it live concerts. And to do live concerts, you have to be a renowned name. So it is a catch 22 kind of situation,” says the maestro.
If you are a newcomer to ghazal
singing, it is very diffi cult to get popular. You need to have tenacity and dedication besides support, he adds.
Hariharan has been singing ghazals for years now. Over time, he has made friends with many poets. And whenever they come up with new poetry, they share it with him as well. This is one way of selecting the lyrics for his ghazals.
He also discusses with people, who are learned in Urdu literature and language and gets recommendations from them. In India, he says, the quality of Urdu poetry being produced is still very
high. Hariharan thinks highly of his partner in Hazir 2, the tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain.
“Zakir Hussain is a magician. He is a great human being and an amazing talent. He is an inspiration for me. Whenever I perform with him, it is a like a battery-charger for me,” says Hariharan.
On selecting instruments in his orchestra, he says the instruments should not be overpowering. “An instrument should add to harmony and melody because ghazal singing itself is intricate. We were a whole kind of orchestra with our voices as well,” says the ghazal singer.
Hariharan has also sang for a number of TV serials and fi lms. He was judged best male playback singer in the 1995 Tamil Nadu State Government Film Awards. In 1998, Hariharan won the national award for the best playback singer.
“Playback singing has its own charm. But today, I think the importance of a song in fi lms has eroded. It is no longer woven in the story. It is just for the sake of including a song in the fi lm,” says Hariharan.
He has toured USA in 2002, 2004 and 2007, performing ghazal concerts at more than 15 cities each
time. Hariharan also collaborated with Pakistan-based band Strings for a track called Bolo Bolo. His ghazal album Lahore Ke Rang, Hari Ke Sang with renowned ghazal composers from Pakistan won him rave reviews and critical acclaim inside and outside India.
Hariharan says he has enjoyed performing in parts of USA besides India and Pakistan. Professional singer for 34 years counting and having sung over 5,000 songs in various languages, Hariharan is always ready to experiment and explore with a new style to create soulful music.
“I have started a new genre called Urdu Blues. I have an album called Kaash on it. I have found the patent for it as I have invented it. I believe you can use the instruments of today in ghazal”
— HariharanCOVETED: Hariharan says even today there is a large audience for ghazal singing.
ON SONG: Hariharan, right, with Ustad Zakir Hussain performing Hazir 2 in Doha.
“Zakir Hussain is a magician. He is a great human being and an amazing talent. He is an inspiration for me. Whenever I perform with him, it is a like a battery-charger for me”
— Hariharan
Sunday, December 11, 20166 GULF TIMES
COMMUNITY WEATHER ADDICT
By Steff Gaulter
It’s getting cooler in Doha, but not alarmingly so. Not like it is in other parts of the globe. In Vikhorevka, Siberia, for example, the maximum temperature at the moment is
approximately minus 15C (5F). If that sounds cold, then perhaps I shouldn’t tell you that the night time temperature is a bitter minus 22C (-8F). You might think that they should be used to the cold and shouldn’t be too disturbed by the usual frigid conditions, except unfortunately the heating station has just packed in.
The locals are huddled in their homes, wrapped up in as many layers as they can wear, and understandably have taken to plugging in their own individual radiators and heaters. This doesn’t come without its own risks, however, because the surge in demand could overload the fragile electricity system. According to the locals, this is something that has happened many times in the past.
The city’s heating system also operates the hot water, so the lack of heat also means that many of the 20,000 residents are trying to cope without heating or hot water. Unfortunately, the problem probably doesn’t have a quick fi x. Work started on the boilers
in the summer, but as the technicians started to repair one problem, they found many more and these have proved more complicated to address.
By the time we are talking about temperatures of minus 15C, the cold has reached silly extremes. However, this bone-chattering weather is defi nitely not the lowest temperature ever reached on Earth. That award goes to Antarctica, which dropped to a staggering minus 94.7C (-135.8F) in 2010. Fortunately for scientists this temperature wasn’t measured directly, so no-one risked frostbite, instead it was measured by a satellite. That does mean that it won’t be found in the Guinness Book of Records, but it does show just how cold it can get on Earth.
These ridiculous temperatures got me thinking about the extremes of weather which a human can endure. At the other end of the spectrum, the hotter end, if the weather is a humid 60C (140F), humans will probably last only about ten minutes. The lower end, however, is a little more subjective and it also depends on how slowly the environmental conditions change. If someone is suddenly transported into a freezing environment, they will fare less well than someone who has gradually seen the conditions change over a matter of days and weeks.
Studies have shown that it takes six
weeks to fully acclimatise to a new type of environment, the fi rst two weeks being the most important. That’s not to say that you will ever be as good as the locals at enduring the weather, but after about six weeks, you reach your own peak. There are always going to be some people who can tolerate hotter weather better, and others who can withstand colder conditions more easily, that’s thanks to your ancestry and cannot be altered just by exposure alone.
A person can usually survive until their body temperature drops to 21C (70F), but how it takes for this to happen depends on many things, not only on the temperature. It is also determined by the humidity and the wind, and varies dramatically from person to person. Long before a person’s body temperature drops this low there will be clear signs that someone is suff ering from exposure. A person will obviously feel cold, and in order to protect their vital organs, their bodies will start to restrict their blood fl ow to their extremities. One of the organs which is most sensitive to cold weather is the brain and as the temperature drops the electrical activity in the brain slows, meaning a person will often start to feel confused and disorientated.
Peculiarly, just before a person succumbs to the cold, they often try to take all of their clothes off . This seems to be completely absurd given the situation, but it is thought
to be caused by a sudden rush of blood to the vital organs. As a person’s body becomes weaker, the muscles become exhausted, allowing the blood to suddenly fl ow back to the extremities. This makes a person feel incredibly hot.
Whilst a person of sane mind may rationally conclude that, considering the situation, they cannot really be hot, a person who is suff ering this much from the cold will already be in a confused state thanks to hypothermia. Therefore they sometimes try to remove their clothes, even if they are surrounded by snow.
In one study of hypothermia by the Institute of Legal Medicine in Berlin, Germany, it was found that all the people who had started to take their clothes off had then tried to fi nd a safe place to curl up. Generally the people chose somewhere more accessible, like under a bed or on a shelf.
As the temperature continues to drop in Qatar, we, too, may feel like hibernating. However, it’s reassuring to know that the winter temperatures here are rarely ever life-threatening. Temperatures of minus 22C are something we only have to imagine, if we choose to.
(The author is Senior Weather Presenter at Al Jazeera English channel. She can be contacted on steff [email protected]
or on Twitter at @WeatherSteff )
Cold chronicles of Siberia and moreDEAD COLD: In Vikhorevka, Siberia, the night time temperature is a bitter minus 22C (-8F).
7Sunday, December 11, 2016 GULF TIMES
COMMUNITY
Best Buddies Qatar marks International Day of People with Disabilities
The activities at the sports festival included basketball, bowling, parachute lifting, football, constructing cups pyramids, flying plate, and competitions focused on body balancing.
Best Buddies Qatar (BBQ) organised art and sports activities to mark The International Day of People with
Disabilities recently. BBQ members, aged 7-26 years
old, from Qatar Institute for Speech and Hearing, Shafallah Center for Special Needs, Step by Step Center for Special Needs and Al Tamakon School for Comprehensive education attended the event in Katara.
Professional artists Hanadi al-Darwish, Ahmed Nouh, Dana al-Safar, Muna al-Sada, Aida and al-Mulla helped the BBQ members with their painting activities.
Hanadi al-Darwish, who was also the general co-ordinator of the painting workshop, said, “Art is very important because it helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to express themselves. We are very glad to participate in such event and we are looking forward to co-operate with Best Buddies Qatar in future.”
Ibrahim al-Hawadi, father of 9-year-old BBQ member Omar, said: “Today is the fi rst time my son is participating in a Best Buddies Qatar event and I am very happy to see the encouragement he is receiving. He is communicating with other members and making new friends.”
The artworks painted by Best Buddies Qatar members were later put on display to the public to spread awareness that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are gifted with bright imagination, creativity, self-expression and positivity.
Mohammed al-Sayeed, BBQ
Manager of Rehabilitation and Integration, awarded the artists and expressed his gratitude for their support. He also thanked Ooredoo (for Mascots entertaining), Katara Cultural Village (for the facilities and the venue), Trust Media (for video and photo recording), and all the attendees and participants who made the event happen.
BBQ members attend sports
festivalBest Buddies Qatar members,
aged 13-19 years, from Al Khor Sports Center, Ahmed Bin Secondary Scool, Musaab Bin Omair Secondary School, Tariq Bin Ziad Secondary School, Al-Shahaniya Middle School, Nasser Al-Attiya Secondary School, Jassim Bin Hamad Secondary School, Mohammed Bin Ahmed Secondary School, Siliya Secondary School, and Shafallah Center for Special Needs also attended a sports festival at the Dahl Hamam Park recently. The activities included basketball, bowling, parachute lifting, football, constructing cups pyramids, fl ying plate, and competitions focused on body balancing.
Hani Anwar, Additional Educational Support Teacher at Ahmad Bin Hambal School, said: “I am very pleased to see all of my students participating in sports activities. Most of the students from our school are the members at Best Buddies Qatar and many students are waiting for the next academic year to join the Best Buddies Qatar Club.”
The schools were awarded cups and medals for their dynamic
participation in all the activities during the day.
The event ended with a healthy lunch, sponsored and provided by Nando’s, managed by Oryx Group for Food Services.
Francois Rousseau, Chief Operations Offi cer of Oryx Group for Food Services, said: “We believe that supporting
people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, even in the smallest possible ways, is a privilege. At Nando’s we believe in passion, pride, courage, integrity and family. These values refl ect the background of why we feel honoured to reach out to our community and be associated with a wonderful organisation – Best
Buddies Qatar, who champion this great cause.”
Laalei Abu Alfain, Best Buddies Qatar Executive Director, thanked BBQ partners – Nando’s, Katara, Trust Media, Dahl Hamam Park, Ooredoo, and the artists – for their support and taking part in celebrating The International Day of People with Disabilities.
The artworks painted by the Best Buddies Qatar members were later put on display to the public.
Sunday, December 11, 20168 GULF TIMES
COMMUNITY
Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar hosts reunion for Class of 2011Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q) celebrated the Class of 2011’s five-year reunion recently, with alumni joining faculty and senior leadership to reconnect and network.Welcoming alumni to the event, Ilker Baybars, Dean and CEO of CMU-Q, said: “We are incredibly proud of the success you have achieved in your respective fields. Thank you for carrying on the legacy of excellence and setting a fine example for current CMU-Q students.”Carnegie Mellon Qatar graduates are highly sought after by local, regional and international organisations. They are employed in top organisations such as Google, Microsoft, Qatar Petroleum, Shell and Commercial Bank Qatar, or are pursuing graduate studies.
Doha College joins the Hour of Code’s mission to introduce students to computer science
Computers are everywhere, changing every industry on the planet, but fewer than half of all schools teach
computer science. Girls also tend to be underrepresented in computer science classes, and in the tech industry generally. Doha College hopes to change this, and last week every student from Year 1 to Year 13 joined in the largest learning event in history – the ‘Hour of Code’ – to celebrate Computer Science Education Week.
“The Hour of Code is a global movement designed to demystify code and show that computer science is not rocket science to show that anybody can learn the basics,” said Hadi Partovi, founder and CEO of code.org. “Over 100 million students worldwide have tried an Hour of Code. The demand for relevant 21st-century computer science education crosses all borders and knows no boundaries.”
“The Hour of Code comes to Doha College at a signifi cant time,” explains Dr Steff en Sommer, Principal of Doha College. “Having introduced individual iPads and with it digital learning a few years ago, the school is now gearing up to a new level of digital integration across the curriculum, in tune with our High-Performance Learning approach. Research shows that children can understand programming concepts before they even know how to read and write. In fact, their brains are more receptive to computer languages at a young age, just like foreign languages.”
The event started with engaging presentations by programmer parents Mohsin Mujtaba and Sheharbano Rizvi. Inspired by them, the students then completed coding activities on one of the four attractive themes of Minecraft, Frozen, StarWars and Monster High.
Students were supported by fellow students who have been
appointed as an iChild or a Digital Leader. The roles of ‘iChild’ in Primary and ‘Digital Leader’ in Secondary are fi lled by students who have shown strong information technology skills. This initiative was introduced at Doha College recently to promote Digital Learning and to encourage students to act as
fi rst points of contact for other students in communicating and troubleshooting iPad issues, and in the higher year groups to initiate the digital learning journey among their classmates.
Doha College has also appointed two teachers to champion digital learning: Brian Kerr will lead the
initiative at the Al Waab campus and Hawa Mayat will take the lead at the West Bay campus.
Mayat said: “By starting early, students will have a foundation for success in any 21st-century career path. A strong digital foundation can give children the confi dence to become actively involved with ever-
changing technology and grow into life-long learners.”
Kerr said, “Students of all ages engage with technology, they are very comfortable with the digital world. As educators, we need to ensure we embrace this interest and shape it to use technology successfully in our classrooms.”
The Hour of Code is a global movement designed to demystify code and show that computer science is not rocket science, according to code.org founder and CEO Hadi Partovi.
9Sunday, December 11, 2016 GULF TIMES
COMMUNITY
PIS students go to Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani MuseumPakistan International School (PIS) students were taken to the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum recently. The private museum has a large and varied collection. The students were accompanied by their teachers and given a guided tour at the museum. The students took keen interest in the collection, especially the extensive collection of rare vehicles housed at the museum.
Ambassador urges Indonesian community to donate for Aceh quake victimsIndonesian ambassador Muhammad Basri Sidehabi has requested the Indonesian community in Qatar to extend a helping hand for victims of the Aceh Disaster. He said this during the commemoration of the 17th anniversary of Indonesian Women Association (DWP) recently. An earthquake measuring 6.5 on the Richter Scale struck the north-east coast of Sumatra island on December 7 early in the morning, causing many of the buildings to collapse. At least 100 people were killed with many more injured. Off icials say about 245 buildings, including homes, schools, hospitals, shop houses and mosques, collapsed in the earthquake. Basarnas, Indonesia’s research and rescue agency, said the death and injury toll may rise as rescue eff orts in Pidie Jaya, a town about two hours’ drive from the provincial capital of Banda Aceh, continues. In 2004, Aceh was devastated by a tsunami that killed more than 160,000 people in Indonesia alone.In Qatar, fundraising for the victims is being co-ordinated by DWP Chairperson Andi Una in co-operation with the Indonesian Community in Qatar (Permiqa). “This is to show our condolences and sympathy for the quake-stricken people of Aceh,” said the wife of ambassador Sidehai. There are around 52 Indonesian community organisations under the aegis of Permiqa, with about 40,000 members. Permiqa Chairman Edwin Kurniawan says the fundraising activities will be co-ordinated by the Infak Sadakah Qatar Zakat (ZISQatar) agency and Imsqa-Permiqa. Kurniawan said, “Indonesian community in Qatar also off ers their prayers for Acehnese to be given strength and patience.”Seen here are images from the event.
Sunday, December 11, 201610 GULF TIMES
COMMUNITY MOTORING
2017 Acadia All Terrain: distinctive with enhanced off -road ability
Off ered for the fi rst time on a GMC Acadia SUV, the new All Terrain model beckons with touches of sporty refi nement that
suit an adventurous personality. It’s a vehicle that delivers the functionality Acadia is known for, while also providing features to help adrenaline-seeking drivers go wherever their journey takes them.
At the heart of the Acadia All Terrain’s capability is an advanced AWD system with Active Twin Clutch, which optimises traction for every condition it encounters. It is engineered for optimal performance in a wide range of slippery conditions ranging to wet to ice and loose surfaces.
It also has a specifi c All Terrain mode in place of the Off Road mode on the drive mode selector, which works with the model’s exclusive AWD system to off er enhanced hill-climb capability.
All Terrain models are distinguished from the rest of the Acadia lineup with
a body-colour grille surround, black chrome trim and unique wheels. Inside is exclusive fi ve-passenger seating, dynamic All Terrain interior accents and covered storage bins in the rear cargo fl oor in place of a third-row seat.
When it comes to connectivity, the Acadia All Terrain is plugged in with available phone integration technology through GMC’s available IntelliLink system, making it easy to connect to some of the features smartphone users rely on most. Apple CarPlay allows drivers to make calls, send and receive messages and listen to music right from the vehicle’s touchscreen.
And from a safety perspective, the 2017 Acadia All Terrain comes packed with features intended to help make drivers more aware of their surroundings and potential crash situations.
These technologies include, Rear Vision Camera, Rear Park Assist, Side Blind Zone with Lane Change Alert, and Rear Cross Traffi c Alert.The 2017 GMC Acadia All Terrain.
The seventh generation of the BMW 5 Series Sedan will cut a sporty, elegant and stylish fi gure when it hits the roads in markets
around the world in February 2017. Further enhanced dynamics, an unbeatable line-up of assistance systems, an unmatched degree of connectivity and a new and innovative operating system are the most important new features.
The new BMW 5 Series Sedan therefore has all the tools it needs to continue the remarkable success recorded by its predecessors; around 7.9 million BMW 5 Series cars were sold across its fi rst six generations. “The seventh generation of the BMW 5 Series points the way into the future, as we have defi ned it with our NUMBER ONE > NEXT strategy. We see technological leadership, emotionally rich products and digitalisation as essential factors in achieving success. With the expansion of our model portfolio in the large-vehicle classes, we are satisfying the wishes of many customers. I’m in no doubt that the new BMW 5 Series will set new benchmarks technologically, but also have huge emotional appeal. It remains the epitome of the business sedan,” says Harald Kruger, Chairman of the Board of Management at BMW AG.
The weight of the 5 Series Sedan has been reduced by up to 100 kilograms from that of its predecessor. The newly designed chassis, a low centre of gravity, BMW’s hallmark even weight distribution and a lightweight body off ering exceptional torsional stiff ness combine a wonderfully dynamic driving experience with the long-distance comfort for which the BMW 5 Series is renowned. Various chassis options such as Integral Active Steering, which
can now be teamed with xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive, add further talents to a dynamics-focused overall package designed to ensure the BMW 5 Series once again stands at the top of its class. The drag coeffi cient of the new, 4,935 millimetre-long BMW 5 Series Sedan (Cd = 0.22 at its most effi cient) sets the benchmark in its class.
A wealth of assistance systems are on hand in the new BMW 5 Series to off er the driver unbeatable support – not only at critical moments but also in less demanding situations at the wheel, such as traffi c jams, slow-moving traffi c, and monotonous stretches of motorway. To this end, it is fi tted as standard with a stereo camera, which teams up with optional radar and ultrasound sensors to monitor the area around the car. New features in the BMW 5 Series alongside the evasion aid and Crossing traffi c warning are the
Lane Change Assistant and Lane keeping assistant with active side collision protection.
The BMW 5 Series also off ers the optional Active Cruise Control (ACC) system and Steering and lane control assistant. These include adoption of speed restrictions, which drivers can select as part of the Speed Limit Assist option.
The latest-generation iDrive system, in top specifi cation, displays navigation, telephone and entertainment features, plus vehicle functions, on a high-resolution 10.25-inch screen. The system can be operated using the iDrive Controller, by voice command or gestures, or by touching the display controls directly, as the driver wishes. The latest-generation full-colour BMW Head-Up Display has a projection surface that is 70 per cent larger than before and displays traffi c signs, telephone listings, radio stations, music
tracks, navigation instructions and warnings from the assistance systems.
Maximising the levels of on-board comfort are extended storage options, greater legroom for rear-seat passengers and comfort seats with massage function, not to mention innovative seat operation using touch sensors and four-zone climate control complete with ionisation and discreet air fragrancing.
Special Synergy Thermoacoustic Capsule (SYNTAK) engine encapsulation technology, the acoustic glazing for the windscreen and the acoustic headliner bring about another noticeable reduction in noise levels inside the car.
The new BMW 5 Series also off ers a compelling proposition in terms of connectivity. Extensive BMW ConnectedDrive features are joined by new services which lavish business travellers with
extra comfort and save them time. These include the new ParkNow technology for digital parking space reservation and payment, the On-Street Parking Information intelligent parking space search function and the optional Parking Assistant, which detects empty spots and parks the vehicle automatically. Plus, the Microsoft Exchange service now enables Microsoft Offi ce 365 users to sync emails, calendar entries and contacts and edit them inside their car. Meanwhile, the optional Remote Parking system allows the BMW 5 Series Sedan to be manoeuvred into even the tightest parking spaces remotely using the car key.
All the engines in the 5 Series Sedan line-up belong to the newly developed, modular BMW Effi cientDynamics family of power units. BMW TwinPower Turbo technology imbues all the members of the family with outstanding performance combined with exceptional effi ciency. The new two-litre four-cylinder in-line engine in the BMW 530i develops peak torque of 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) and maximum output of 185 kW/252 hp. Its fuel consumption in the combined cycle comes in at 5.4 litres/100 km. The BMW 530i accelerates from 0 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).
The fl agship engine at launch will be the 250 kW/340 hp unit under the bonnet of the new BMW 540i. This three-litre straight-six produces torque of 450 Nm (332 lb-ft). Despite its extra output and sharper dynamic edge, average fuel consumption stands at only 6.5 l/100 km. In xDrive guise, the BMW 540i powers from 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) in a mere 4.8 seconds.
The new BMW 5 Series Sedan.
New BMW 5 Series Sedan to debut in February 2017
11Sunday, December 11, 2016 GULF TIMES
COMMUNITYINFOGRAPHIC
Sunday, December 11, 201612 GULF TIMES
COMMUNITY PUZZLES/CARTOONS
Adam
Pooch Cafe
Garfield
Bound And Gagged
Codeword
Wordsearch
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.
ACROSS4. Flourish of trumpets announcing food for devotees (7)8. Delay caused by robbery, perhaps (4-2)9. Reproach for police swoop on unfortunate pub (7)10. Stiff comparison with male animal going to bar (6)11. One in a hurry to get ornamental strip for furniture? (6)12. Situation vacant; no stamp required (4,4)18. A striking container? (8)20. The doctor got up gloomy and unsociable (6)21. Middle removed from well-loved tree (6)22. Remain loyal to someone available in emergency (5-2)23. Animals as featuring in wagers (6)24. 100 make certain of blame (7)
DOWN1. Remedial treatment arising from party he ruined (7)2. Faintly see gem slip out (7)3. Postpone being discouraged? (3,3)5. When father gets up, what he is becomes obvious (8)6. Shots - if, up, telephone (6)7. Completely spoiled one in under development (6)13. Don’t forget about limb (8)14. Has boil to get rid of (7)15. Put into words very quickly (7)16. The kind that is to make a raid (6)17. Springs up in restricted area (6)19. Surplus of 150 provided by lucky plant (6)
If you are feeling doubtful about something or someone today, make
sure you aren’t simply worried about things and trying to throw
shade at someone or something.
Today’s Moon shines in your eleventh house of hopes, wishes
and friendship. If you have been feeling some sort of emotional
disconnect with someone, it’s time to work things out if you can.
If you think something isn’t going to work out and your intuition is
screaming at you not to do something, you really have to take notice
of it Librans.
Today’s Moon shines on your fellow earth sign and romance zone of
Taurus – the sign ruled by Venus. Along with speakeasy Mercury in
your sign, this is a wonderful time to be in love.
Take advantage of Mercury the planet of communication and clear
thinking shining in Capricorn right now – your fellow earth sign and
higher thinking zone.
Stop thinking about all the things you haven’t done lately and
instead focus on all the things you’ve accomplished this year and the
final touches you need to put on the year over the next few weeks.
If you can’t think of anything nice to say Scorpios...you know the rest
right? Be super careful you don’t step on other people’s toes with the
Moon in Aries today.
Don’t allow someone to overburden you with too much stuff today
while they go off and do something fun. Just say “no” and mean it –
you have your own things to take care of.
The lead up to your Full Moon/Super Moon is sure to be interesting
Geminis. Your Super Moon is scheduled for Tuesday and it is sure to
bring many things to an interesting ending.
Don’t allow someone to steal your thunder today Virgos. It’s your
idea and you thought of it, so go ahead and share it with the world!
Don’t allow someone to talk you out of doing something you have
been wanting to do for some time Sags. Stick to the plan and forge
ahead today.
Speak up today if you feel something isn’t working or isn’t right –
personally, professionally or both. As much as you might not like
confrontation at times today it’s vital that you speak up.
Cooler seasonal temperatures can have an impact on not only your home, but also your wallet. Along with
adjusting your thermostat as the cooler weather embraces much of the country, weatherising your home also has a direct impact on the amount of energy required to maintain a comfortable temperature indoors. Follow these five easy DIY home weatherising tips to increase your home’s energy efficiency and lower the utility bill each month.
Turn on the humidifierIncreasing the humidity in your
home during the cooler months adds moisture to your living space. This raises the “heat index,” making 68 degrees feel more like 76 degrees. Be sure to maintain a relative humidity in the home between 20 to 40 percent. As the temperature outside drops, lower this percentage so condensation does not form on the windows.
Seal the gapsAreas such as windows, doors, attic
hatches, vents and other seasonally-
used areas are prime sources for air leaks, which can cause energy bills to skyrocket. To help maintain a controlled climate inside the home and prevent air from leaking in or escaping, weatherise these areas of your home by using a temporary sealant. DAP Seal ‘N Peel is an all-season, removable weather-stripping sealant you can easily apply to seal holes, cracks and gaps where air can pass through. It’s also waterproof, low in odour and dries to a clear
finish. And when spring comes and you want to remove it, it peels away easily and cleanly, leaving behind no residue.
Add extra insulation to all areas of your home
Adding insulation to your home reduces energy usage and increases comfort. If your home uses less than 12 inches of insulation, chances are heat is escaping. Add insulation in the attic to prevent warm air from escaping. Also consider adding insulation in crawl spaces, under floors and against basement walls to stop the transfer of cold through the house.
Run your fan in the proper direction
There are layers of air in every living space that vary in degree of temperature. Because the warmest air is closest to the ceiling, running your ceiling fan in a clockwise direction in the winter months pushes the warm air up against the ceiling and then down the walls. This recirculates warm air through the room without a cool breeze and offsets the workload of the HVAC, lowering heat costs by as much as 10 percent.
Get a home energy auditIf you’ve completed the four
tasks above and your energy bill is still unusually high, it might be time to request a home energy audit to pinpoint problem areas in your home. This will help identify the problem areas and help you make the necessary improvements for an efficient home. In fact, you could save 5 to 30 percent on your energy bill by repairing issues found in a home energy audit, according to the US Department of Energy.
Conserve energy and save money this fall by weatherising your home with these easy tips
Sunday, December 11, 201614 GULF TIMES
COMMUNITY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE
Sunday, December 11, 2016 15GULF TIMES
COMMUNITYSHOWBIZ
MR PASSIONATE: Aamir Khan says he isn’t pressured by demands on him.
SPLITSVILLE: Amal, left, and George Clooney.
Stone, Gosling make a mark on Hollywood
Actors Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling left their marks on Hollywood as they placed their hand and footprints in concrete in front of the TCL Chinese Theatre.
Stone and Gosling, who star in the latest film La La Land, have joined the likes of Shirley Temple, Marilyn Monroe, Hugh Jackman and others, reports hollywoodreporter.com.
“I moved to Los Angeles when I was 15 and came here, and my hands are an exact match for Jane Russell, so if you’re looking for a Jane Russell hand double, I’m your girl,” Stone joked.
Alwyn Hight Kushner, president of the TCL Chinese Theatre, noted that the ceremony would succeed in “creating an everlasting homage to Hollywood and its legendary artists.”
Following the introductions, Stone and Gosling took the stage to express their gratitude and excitement.
Stone said: “This is embarrassing — I thought this was maybe the kind of a thing where you come and put your hand prints in cement and then they take them away and put them up somewhere. I was just told that they were going to stay here, so I cried a little bit inside.”
She added: “This is an incredible experience and making this movie was an incredible experience. What a place to get to commemorate that.”
Gosling said: “I’m still not completely convinced that we’re not going to be arrested for vandalism, but I’m going to take your word for it that we’re allowed to do this.
“We had an opportunity to shoot in most of Los Angeles’ iconic locations except for this (the Chinese Theatre) so I guess this is the final piece to the puzzle. It’s a beautiful way to end this experience.” — IANS
Superstar Aamir Khan, who is often called as “Mr. Perfectionist”, says he doesn’t believe in the title and says instead he
should be called “Mr. Passionate”.Asked if his title puts him under
any pressure, Aamir told reporters: “It puts no pressure on me because I don’t believe in the title only. So the title is an inaccurate title.”
Aamir, who is gearing up for the release of his upcoming fi lm, Dangal directed by Nitesh Tiwari, says the correct title for him would be “Mr. Passionate” because “that is what I am”.
The 51-year-old star says perfection according to him doesn’t exist in a creative fi eld, where people have a myriad of ideas and opinions.
“Perfection according to me doesn’t exist. There is no such thing as perfection and certainly not in the creative fi eld... I am a passionate person,” he said.
Dangal is a biographical sports drama fi lm directed by Tiwari, who previously helmed popular fi lms like Chillar Party and Bhootnath Returns.
The fi lm features Aamir portraying the role of Mahavir Singh Phogat, who taught
wrestling to his daughters Babita Kumari and Geeta Phogat.
He will be seen playing both younger and older characters of Phogat in the fi lm, and he had put on weight up to 95 kg to play the older part and is currently in the process of bringing it down to around 70 kg.
He also said the purpose to make the fi lm is not to promote himself or the sports personality, but to make a “good fi lm”.
Asked his opinion on Bollywood personalities overshadowing sportsmen, on whom movies are based on, Aamir responded: “When I am making a fi lm it’s because I love the story. It is because I am creatively excited about the fi lm.
“And that is something I want to share with the audience.”
The 51-year-old star says his “primary job is neither to promote myself and not to promote a sports person. That isn’t my primary responsibility.
“My primary responsibility is to make a good fi lm. That’s what I concentrate on.”
Aamir, who has previously worked in hits like PK, 3 Idiots and Ghajini, says before making the Nitesh Tiwari’s directorial, he
knew about the Phogat family.“I knew about the Phogat family.
I think the biggest way we could promote the Phogat sisters and Mahavir was by making a fi lm on them. And that is what we have done,” he said.
The actor hopes that after watching the fi lm, which is slated to release on December 23, people appreciate them even more.
“They will appreciate what the family has been through, the struggles, the achievements and the resilience that they have shown,” he added.
He praised his Dangal co-star Sakshi Tanwar, saying it was a “dream” to work with her.
“It was wonderful (working with Sakshi). She is so talented. I can’t remember a single shot in the fi lm where she had to do a retake,” Aamir said.
“She gives a heartfelt shot. There is skill and heart in her shots...it was a joy for me to work with her...She’s a fantastic human being,” he added.
Aamir also said Sakshi is a “warm and happy” person.
“I would love to work with her again,” he added.
The fi lm also stars Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanya Malhotra. — IANS
Aamir dismisses ‘perfectionist’ label
Clooney, Amal ready for $300mn divorce?
Actor George Clooney and his wife Amal are reportedly living separate lives and are ready for a $300 million divorce.
“Amal and George divorce announcement! $300 million split rocks Hollywood!” blares the latest headline of OK! Magazine, reports aceshowbiz.com.
“Amal wanted kids, he didn’t. She’ll get his fortune and his Lake Como villa.”
“While they love each other, they might be realising they want diff erent things in life,” a source said, adding that the couple’s “growing divide” is allegedly due to a “long list of grievances” that have now brought the relationship “to a perilous crossroads”.
The source added: “When George and Amal fi rst got together, their friends
thought they were a perfect match. But now some are expecting them to announce a split.”
George was “feeling the mounting pressure” to have children and had reluctantly agreed, according to the source. “But as I understand it, he’s since backed away from that decision, and Amal is crushed,” said the insider.
George allegedly plans to move to Britain as he’s “growing impatient” at Amal’s “taste for the high life” and lavish spending.
“As a result of all this confl ict, the power couple are now living separate lives,” the magazine says, “Amal could make out like a bandit if they divorce.”
The Hollywood star and the British human rights lawyer married in 2014. — IANS
TWO TO TANGO: Emma Stone, left, and Ryan Gosling.
Sunday, December 11, 201616 GULF TIMES
COMMUNITY
Hazir wows audience
Hariharan, right, and Ustad Zakir Hussain created magic on stage. Photos by Umer Nangiana
Legendary musicians Ustad Zakir Hussain and Hariharan perform to
over a thousand ghazal aficionados at the QNCC. By Umer Nangiana
Yes, it did happen. Music lovers in Qatar fi nally managed to see the magician at work in the legendary tabla (drums)
maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain. And he did treat them to one of his best solo performances, besides jamming with none other than the ghazal maestro Hariharan.
At the duo’s concert Hazir 2 recently, more than a thousand people at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) watched in awe as the great ustad played tabla at an impossible-to-achieve pace, generating unmatchable beats and rhythm.
Hariharan jumped in with his alaap to create a jugalbandi (entwined duet) that the audience was eagerly waiting for. It was received with an extended applause and a fl urry of ‘wows.’
Indian legendary singer Hariharan and tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain truly created magic to leave the Doha audience spellbound. They were witnessing the spectacle for the fi rst time in town.
“It is a one-of-its-kind opportunity for music lovers in Qatar to experience the best of Indian classical musical instruments and enjoy ghazal. You are going to see two of India’s legendary performers coming together on stage,” Stephen Devassy, the Director of Music Lounge, who organised the event, told the audience before the concert began.
He also thanked the Qatari authorities for their support in making the event a possibility.
“The Music Lounge management
and team are very excited about the event, especially due to its pure classical nature. Music Lounge is also grateful to the support of sponsors who believe in the rich cultural heritage of India and the government of Qatar for their support,” said Devassy.
Indian ambassador P Kumaran and South African ambassador Saad Cachalia were the chief guests.
Devassy, himself a popular artist from India, opened the event with his soulful piano performance. It was a perfect mood-setter.
Hariharan sang some of his old and new ghazals, besides popular selection from some of his best albums.
The maestro, accompanied by Ustad Zakir, brought popular Urdu poets to life – including Ahmad Faraz and Mumtaz Rashid – by singing some of their ever-green ghazals. Hariharan’s famous ‘Kaash’ was part of the list. And he did pick up a pure classical tune with a Sufi rendition.
Supporting the duo on stage were Ustad Akhlak Hussain Varsi on harmonium, Dilshad Khan on
sarangi, Anurag Naidu on piano and Sanjoy Das on guitar.
The event was attended by a large number of ghazal lovers from expatriate communities, including people from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and others.
Created by Hariharan, Hazir has been a sell-out event all over the world.
Zakir Hussain, born to the legendary tabla player Allah Rakha, has stood colossal in the fi eld of music. As a tabla player, he has become a music producer, fi lm actor and composer.
He has been awarded a PhD in Music by the University of Washington, the Padma Shri, the Padma Bhushan (the highest civilian award in India), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, the National Endowment for the Arts (the highest award given to traditional artist and musicians in US), along with multiple Grammy awards.
Today he is appreciated both in the fi eld of percussion and in the music world at large as an international phenomenon. His consistently brilliant and exciting performances have not only established him as a national treasure in his own country, but also on the world stage as a great classical musician and architect for the contemporary world music movement.
Hariharan is a son of the renowned Carnatic vocalist, Shrimati Alamelu and the late Anatha Subramani Iyer. He has inherited his parents’ musical talents.
Hariharan was captivated by the passion of ghazal. Inspired by the ghazals of legendary Mehdi Hassan, he started to train under the illustrious Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan. He is today known in the world of Indian music as one of the greatest ghazal singers of all time.
Fluent in multiple languages (Hindi, Urdu, Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, Bengali and English), he truly has infl uenced all demographics in the Indian subcontinent. Touching hearts and minds of fans throughout the world for more than 40 years, Hariharan has earned his place on the list of music legends.
More than a thousand music lovers attended the concert.
