Salaam Bahrain December 2017

BD 1.500

December 2017 - VOLUME 11, ISSUE 1

we speak your language

Abdul Latheef’s

‘Dream’

journey to success

SPECIAL PINOY FOCUS

KUMUSTA BAHRAIN

2 SALAAM BAHRAIN

DECEMBER 2017

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Note from the Chairman

the editorial team P.O. Box 50650, Arad, Kingdom of Bahrain Licensed by the Ministry of Information Publication Licence no : GASB 740

Chairman and Managing Editor Mahmood Al Mahmood Managing Director P.K. Ravi Editor Meera Ravi Contributor • Maharaja Features Pvt. Ltd. Designer • Sumesh. C. Unni Photography • Hussain - Salmaniya Studio • Sajid Butt • Lakshmi Padmanabhan Marketing P.R.M. Marketing Consultancy w.l.l Advertising Sales Contact: +973 3668 4011 advts.sb@gmail.com Published by Al Ayam Publishing Promoted by Ajyal Consultations w.l.l Advertising / Editorial / Circulation Enquiries +973 3668 4011 +973 1772 0797 e-mail: salaam.bahrain@gmail.com advts.sb@gmail.com

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Bahrain’s pleasant weather always brings out the jogging shoes and pavements and parks heave with people who have discovered their outdoor gym-muscles. In the past month alone, we have had The Ironman 70.3 challenge, the Bahrain Marathon Relay and a Think Pink Ladies Zumbathon. And those of you who think that a zumbathon is ‘not really sports’ – try it once. If you don’t leave the floor, wet with exhaustion, well, you probably qualify for the Ironman!

The Ironman is a globally rated endurance sport and in the three years that it has been staged in Bahrain, it has grown in stature to attract top contestants from all over the world. It requires rigorous training and discipline to even just consider competing, let alone lasting the course. The “70.3” refers to the total distance in miles (113.0 km) covered in the race, consisting of a 1.2-mile (1.9 km) swim, a 56-mile (90 km) bike ride, and a 13.1-mile (21.1 km) run.

Mind you, these distances in the 70.3 actually represent half the distance of each segment in a full Ironman triathlon!

The Bahrain Marathon Relay is a local darling that sees amateur runners rubbing shoulders with committed professional runners and hard-core hobbyists – this year more than 3000 runners headed round the Marathon track that started and ended in the BIC to hundreds of cheering fans and friends. What’s more, this 37-year old sporting fixture raises money for local charity – nearly BD 500,000 over the years.

But while we eagerly sign up for these events, how many of us have a regular exercise regimen? That daily walk for 20 minutes, that gentle stretch of yoga? Now that we are near that magic doorway of January 1, the gyms are going to rake in cash in wellintentioned but unused memberships as we all make resolutions to drop weight and get fit.

So let’s use this sporting moment in Bahrain’s splendid autumnal season to take our health seriously, shall we? With these new health apps, wearables and FitBits, you have no excuse to not take your exercise seriously. All it takes is a little self-love and the investment of time on yourself.

Capt. Mahmood Al Mahmood 6 SALAAM BAHRAIN

NOV / DEC 2017

On the occasion of the 46th National Day & 18th Accession Day of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa King of the Kingdom of Bahrain

(Serving Bahrain for 68 years)

Wishes the Leaders & People of Bahrain continued progress & prosperity

Everyday Lunch from 12 pm - 3 pm

Gujurathi Thali utsav

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Highlights December 2017

16 COVER STORY

Abdul Latheef – Building on a Dream The founder of a successful medicare group steps into gold jewellery business, confident of Bahrain’s future and his own success.

26-37

SPECIAL FOCUS KUMUSTA BAHRAIN For the 60,000 Filipinos, Bahrain is a haven of prosperity. They have built a fine reputation for themselves as a hard-working and law-abiding community. Salaam Bahrain turns to spotlight on this S.E. Asian community for the first time!.

1. INTERVIEW WITH AMBASSADOR ALFONSO VER. 2. WHAT MAKES A FILIPINO CHRISTMAS SPECIAL? 3. FOODY FINDS – 10 BEST PINOY RESTAURANTS. 4. ASTER MEDICAL CENTER HEALTH ADVISE.

54 CUISINE

COMMUNITY 15 Kannada bhavan

Healthy Christmas hacks

promise

Follow our guide to a healthy festive season and add tasty variety to your party table with our cosmopolitan recipes.

Kannada Sangha has embarked on an ambitious project to build a dedicated Kannada Bhavan, a cultural and social community hub for Bahrain Kannadigas.

48 FASHION 3 Designers set new trends We’ve picked three outstanding trend-setters from the Indian fashion scene and showcased their winter and festive wear.

The Chairman & Team of we speak your language

Wishes the Leaders & People of Bahrain & Our Readers A Prosperous 2018

, HUP UPS G OD YWO OLL B X S I EP ..PLU CEN S Y T PAR

COLUMNS

• 22 Ayaz Memon • 43 Shobhaa De

follow and like us on /SalaamBahrain

Celebrating ST

ANNIVERSARY

HIDD

celebration

CP's warm festive visit to Muljimals HRH the Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and his son HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa paid a Diwali visit to the Muljimal family. The visit was part of the Crown Prince's Diwali gesture to the Indian community and underscored the warm ties between Bahrain's rulers and Indians.

HRH the Crown Prince warmly greeted by Sushil Muljimal

HRH the Crown Prince being welcomed by Mrs. Muljimal

HRH the Crown Prince and his son HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa with the Muljimal family

Members of the Royal Court

The hosts with Nasser Al Arayedh

The children get their moment with HRH the Crown Prince

Juzer & Marya (centre) with the Muljimal brothers and their spouses

The family with Khaled Zayani and his wife 12 SALAAM BAHRAIN

DECEMBER 2017

Muljimal and Faisal Jawad

The ladies with Betsy Matheison

Grand welcome for CP at BAPS Bahrain Diwali It was an extra special Festival of Lights for BAPS Bahrain, the local chapter of a 250 year old socio-spiritual group when HRH the Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa graced the group's Diwali. He was greeted by members of the group as well as Sadhu Brahmavihari Das, from BAPS Headquarters in India.

HRH the Crown Prince was greeted by Sadhu Brahma Vihari Das

Addressing the BAPS officials

A profound and warm conversation in progress

A warm greeting from the BAPS children

Members of the welcoming team

Med Expo focus on healthcare The 2nd Gulf Medical Expo 2017 was inaugurated by the President of the Supreme Council for Health (SCH) Lt-Gen Dr. Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa. It was a window into the medical sector in Bahrain as well as Arab region. This three day event showcased the innovations and developments in the healthcare technology and service.

13 SALAAM BAHRAIN

DECEMBER 2017

celebration

P. Haridas family welcomes Crown Prince One of the oldest families in the community, the Haridas family had the honour of welcoming HRH Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa at their residence for Diwali.

“I consider it a singular honour that we have had this privilege now,” said Bhagwan Asarpota, who is the best-known family representative, because of his community work, “It speaks of the geniune warmth with which the Indians in Bahrain are regarded by the leaders and all Bahrainis.”

​HRH the Crown Prince and Bhagwan Asarpota

This one is for the Family Album

Guests who visited the Haridas home for Diwali, with host family members

A ‘Pink’ Walkathon The Cancer Care Group affiliated to Bahrain Cancer Society was part of a Walkathon held at the Bahrain Bay to create awareness among the public about cancer and the various risk factors causing cancer. It also stressed the importance of walking which has many beneficial effects in maintaining the

good health of individuals, not only in preventing cancer but also many lifestyle diseases. Over 2000 people from various schools, universities, public and private sector organizations along with many dignitaries including the Minister of Municipalities, HE Essam Khalaf, participated in the event.

14 SALAAM BAHRAIN

DECEMBER 2017

Royal visit to Kewalram Diwali The well-known Kewalram family welcomed HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa, son of HRH the Crown Prince to their home on Diwali.

Family patriarch Baboo Kewalram expressed his sense of honour and pride on the occasion, saying, “Our closeness to the Royal Family and to our beloved Bahrain made this visit very special. It is because of their connection with all communities that the leadership has been able to project such a strong feeling of harmony in the Kingdom for all of us.”

Kewalram Family with HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Salman Al Khalifa

Baboo Kewalram & Kishore Kewalram with the Al Saleh brothers

Vinod Kewalram, Kishore Kewalram, Korean Ambassador Hyunmo Koo, Baboo Kewalram, Sri Lankan Ambassador Dr. Mendis, Talal Janahi, Jai Kewalram

Hishang Kewalram, Baboo Kewalram, Khalid Amin, Kishore Kewalram

Juzer Rupawala, Senan Al Jabery, Hameed Rahma, Baboo Kewalram, Huda Sangoor

Mohammed Salahuddin, Baboo Kewalram, H.E. Sheikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Bin Mohammed Al Khalifa

Kishore Kewalram, Adel Fakhro, Baboo Kewalram, Farouk Al Moayed, Isa Abdul Rahim, Mohammed Al Moayed, Abdulla Al Moayed

Anoop Kewalram, Aditya Kewalram, Abdulnabi Al Shoala, Nabeel Zain, Kishore Kewalram, Hassan Zainal Abideen, Vinod Kewalram

Khulood Qattan, Poonam Kewalram, Anu Kewalram, Veena Kewalram, Sangita Kewalram, with ladies from Baqer Family

15 SALAAM BAHRAIN

DECEMBER 2017

celebration

CP visits Manoj Bhatia family for Diwali

One of the families that were honoured with a visit of HRH Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa for Diwali was that ok Manoj Bhatia. Well-established and with deep roots in the local business community, Manoj Bhatia, a BCCI member and a leading figure in the Thattai Hindu Mercantile community and the Shri Krishna Temple, had also invited a large cross-section of the business community and members of the diplomatic corps to the festive gathering.

The family with H.R.H The Crown Prince

Bhatia Family with Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Al Khalifa

L-R Hamid Rahma, Yogesh Bhatia, H.E Abdulla Juma, Manoj Bhatia & guests

L-R Yogesh Bhatia, Bharat Bhatia, Othman Sharif, Samir Nass, Faisal Kamal, H.E Ali Saleh, Manoj Bhatia, Hasan Kamal & Kamil Saleh

Members of BBWS

L-R Shaikh, Shaikha Rana, Manoj Bhatia, Shaikh Abdulla & Yogesh Bhatia

L-R Ebrahim Zainal, Khalid Zayani & Manoj Bhatia

Farewell to Meera Sisodia First Secretary Meera Sisodia retired from her career in the Indian Foreign Service and was given a loving farewell by the community that she had served with so much dedication. At a farewell hosted in her honour and that of her genial and charming husband Mr. Chauhan, Indian Ambassador Alok Kumar Sinha lauded her commitment to supporting the vulnerable in the community and taking forward the mission's vision for Bahraini-India relations. In response, Meera Sisodia thanked the Ambassador for his guidance and leadership and said the support of the Bahrain government had played a big role in the success of her work. “Bahrain was the first place where my family stayed with me during my first posting here in 1987 and I am delighted that I could come again to serve my people here,� she concluded.

16 SALAAM BAHRAIN

DECEMBER 2017

in the news

Kannada Sangha Bahrain organise NRK Conference A 40-year old award-winning Bahrain club, Kannada Sangha, recently organised two major events – the cultural Kannada Vaibhava with movie stars Devaraj and his actress wife Chandralekha and even a popular mayor of Mangaluru City Corporation Kavita Sanil were present. More than 50 talented members of the Sangha took part in the annual festival.

Karnataka forum which she is Deputy Chairperson for, has been rejuvenated and was working hard to ensure that the welfare of the Kannadiga diaspora was always a matter of priority.

“Of the 2,00,000 Kannadiga diaspora, 80,000 in the Gulf and we are committed to their welfare,” she said, “As a first step, we are rolling out the NRK i.d. card for Kannadigas abroad. This will help us

during visits to India. This cell will help to fast-track their grievances and get them justice. Similarly, I am setting up an NRI Marriage Cell to check instances of marital cheating – women are the main victims here, of men who make false claims of economic success and marry them, only to abandon them later.”

Dr. Arati Krishna has over 15 years of

There was plenty to celebrate with the 40th anniversary of the Kannada Sangha Bahrain and the historic formation of Karnataka State in 1956. President Pradeep Shetty announced that the Sangha would move ahead with its ambitious plan to build a purpose-built Kannada Bhavan that would help the Sangha serve the Kannadiga community better.

The good news is that Dr. Arathi Krishna, Deputy Chairperson of the Karnataka Non Resident Indian Forum has promised to support the Kannada Bhavan project by seeking funds from the Karnataka government for the project. Dr. Arathi Krishna said that the

to streamline health services and travel insurance at low cost for these cardcarrying NRKs.”

experience working with the Indian community with the Indian Embassy in Washington and says this has shaped her awareness of the problems facing Indians abroad.

The event was attended by Indian Embassy second secretary Anand Prakash, Dr. U. T. Ifthikar, local business tycoons Mohammed Mansoor, Abdul Sattar, Kannada Sangha President Pradeep Shetty and General Secretary Kiran Upadhyay and Sangha members.

President Shetty honoured Dr. Arathi Krishna on behalf of all the Kannadigas with a shawl, garland, fruit basket and a memento.

Rehabilitation She added, “We are also setting up rehabilitation and skills training for returnees to the state and tightening checks of employment agencies to control fraud. Of the 47 fraud employment agencies identified by the Indian government, 17 were in Karnataka. Along with checking fraud, we are setting up an NRI Police Cell to help NRIs with issues of land grabbing and crime because they cannot spend too much time with these matters 17 SALAAM BAHRAIN

DECEMBER 2017

cover story

Building on a dream The incredible journey of entrepreneur Abdul Latheef Watching Abdul Latheef calmly supervising the finishing touches of the grand opening by superstar Mammootty, of Dream Gold & Jewellery, his entry into the precious gems and gold business, one immediately understands the secret behind his success.

Here is a business tycoon who is not a doctor – yet he is Founder-Managing Director of the well-known GCC-wide Badr Al-Samaa healthcare group. He is also Vice-Chairman of Indiana Hospital & Heart Institute in Karnataka. His foray into education through establishing a College of Engineering & Technology in Payyanur, Kerala and an international school in his hometown, Kasargod, Kerala was the result of a quest for affordable academic ex-

By MEERA RAVI

cellence.

All his business ventures have been fruitful because he has approached them with a commitment of excellence at heart and with the eagerness of a person who is not an expert but a quality and value-based entrepreneur.

And that is the same for his latest, the jewellery venture, Dream Gold & Jewellery – he is no gold expert himself but brings to the enterprise his personal brand promise of trust to a transaction that represents investment in the future for Asians.

In a free-wheeling conversation, Abdul Latheef spoke to Salaam Bahrain about his journey to success and how he keeps his entrepreneurial energy humming.

18 SALAAM BAHRAIN

DECEMBER 2017

Did you always have a vision

SB: to become a businessman even as a youngster?

I had a strong role model in my father Moideen Kunhi Haji who ran a restaurant in Mumbai. He used to come back to Kasargod with so many treats for us all that I associated his work with success. Later, when I was a young man, I went to Mumbai and joined his business. That was my university and he was my teacher. Every lesson I learnt from my father is my guiding principle to this day.

For instance, he was very particular that he would personally order stocks for the restaurant and would do so in limited quantity instead of ordering

AL:

wholesale at lower prices. He maintained that when the cooks saw limited stocks, they would be more careful and not waste anything. This lesson in prudent inventory management has been the cornerstone of our management in our healthcare chain, Badr Al Samaa, and is especially effective because we are dealing with the need to monitor medical supplies’ expiry dates too.

Another important lesson I learnt was honesty in cash flow. When he came on holiday, my father would give me fifty rupees even if I asked for twenty. But in Mumbai, he was strict about not letting me casually take money from the till – he demanded accountability for every rupee, saying that as business owners, we should set the example for our employees. Thus, I have built transparency and controls into my businesses and if there are mistakes, I believe that management should see them as a signal to improve the system instead of just a case of bad employees.

When did your independent

SB: journey begin?

When I first came to Mumbai I was awed by the bustle and the possibilities of this amazing city. But like most Malayalee, my image of success remained going

AL:

The success of the Al Hilal Hospital has been acknowledged by the Minister of Health herself (seen here at the anniversary celebrations of the hospital)

to the Gulf. As youth, we saw Gulf returnees come back rich and with suitcases full of gifts. So in 1983, as a 21 year old, I headed for Dubai where my sister had settled after marriage. What a shock I had! Dubai, which in my mind was paved in gold, turned out to be a very difficult place to find a job in.

I was used to an independent and prosperous life in Mumbai and could not bear to be dependent on my sister.

But they did not want me to take a job that was unsuitable.

Still, when I was offered a job in a cement factory, I took it up. I used to leave home in executive dress and

change into overalls and safety helmet at the factory. It was hard work but I was thankful for a job! A few weeks later, my family found out and stopped me from continuing.

By that time, I had picked up some fluency in Arabic and in 1985, I got a job as an assistant in the UAE Embassy in Italy! I spent some years there and thoroughly enjoyed myself – much to the concern of my family in India. They were worried that I would become too Westernised. So my father called me back and made me give up the job.

They also arranged my marriage so that I would settle down.

And did you settle down as

SB: they wished?

(laughing): I got married and managed my father’s restaurant for three years.

But I was bitten by the travel bug. The people in the Kerala-Mangalore area are seafarers and I was struck by the glamour of their travellers’ tales. So I found myself a job in the merchant navy on board a foreign ship! You see, I loved travelling and felt that this was an ideal job – I served on 5 ships. It was such a learning experience for me.

In the multinational crew, I was the only Indian. I learnt team-work, the art of getting along with all nationalities and the value of hard work, courage and discipline.

I also learnt that if one was deter-

AL:

Abdul Latheef welcoming super star Mammootty 19 SALAAM BAHRAIN

DECEMBER 2017

mined, one could resist temptation. Amongst the casual sailors, I was steadfast in my principles. Whenever we were in a foreign port, most of my ship-mates headed to the nearest clubs but I preferred to explore the city or new country.

SB:

A DREAM BECOMES REALITY

How did you enter the unrelated field of healthcare?

After I left the merchant navy, I was ready for another adventure – in entrepreneurship. With my friends, we formed the Badr Al Samaa healthcare group in Muscat and from there, we moved through the GCC. In Bahrain, in 2006, we bought Al Hilal which was a sick unit. By bringing our unique brand of accessible and excellent healthcare to Al Hilal we transformed it into a thriving community medical service.

When we took charge, Al Hilal Hospital served about 500 patients a day. Today, we have expanded the business and have a medical centre in Riffa. We serve 1700 patients daily and expanding further.

That’s the story of our success.

AL:

SB:

What are your plans for doing business in Bahrain?

Look, a successful businessman is always in for the long term. That is how vision is translated into reality. Every vision faces a bumpy road, it needs to be redesigned to accommodate challenges and changes. That, in my opinion, is what the business scene is in Bahrain. It is a little more challenging than earlier but the base is strong, thanks to the transparency and legal framework that underpin business transactions and also the ease of doing business here.

That is why, when there was a delay in opening Dream Gold & Jewellery in Muscat, we immediately chose to hold the inauguration in Bahrain. The Kingdom is well-known for the government’s insistence on gold purity standards and craftsmanship. We have opened two showrooms in style – the superstar Mammootty was our chief guest.

We plan to open more showrooms in Muscat next and shall expand in Bahrain. Already our investment in these two showrooms repre-

AL:

20 SALAAM BAHRAIN

DECEMBER 2017

cover story sents BD 5 million.

In the medical field, we are setting up new speciality medical centres in Manama and in Salmabad and also a primary care centre in Askar, where most labourers live, who have little resources or time to travel to more urban areas to access diagnostic healthcare. This last centre I see as a community service rather than business.

Speaking of community service, SB: how do you balance the need to show profits and the CSR requirements?

My desire to serve the community AL: and share my good luck is the result of what my parents taught me. During his long and very successful time as a restaurateur in Mumbai, he helped many people both in the city and back in Kasargod, with the active support of my mother. It was instilled in all of us that we should always share our wealth and ability to live well with those in need.

In our hospitals, we have made medical and life-changing health options affordable to all.

Those who cannot afford even this, we try and accommodate as best we can. Our Askar primary care centre is one such example.

In starting Dream Gold & Jewellery (DGJ), we have invited the public to join our CSR – people can write on our DGJ facebook page (add the facebook address here) on any charitable project that we should support and the top two shall be selected soon for us to mentor.

I have founded the Ayshal Charitable Foundation and these days, I spend as much time working to carry forward the charity work there as I do in my businesses.

tension in business even though I work 12 to 14 hours a day and travel a lot.

SB:

Do you see the same drive to succeed in your children too?

AL: They approach their careers in a different way. I have four children – my eldest daughter and son-in-law are doctors and I see that they will contribute to the Badr Al Samaa Group’s growth. My second son has completed his management from the UK and shall be my support in my latest venture, Dream Gold & Jewellery. My third child is studying interior décor and I see a role for him in our home furnishing and accessories business. My youngest is still in school. They have the luxury of choosing their career-path from the start whereas I tried out many different careers before bringing all those lessons to my entrepreneurial journey.

When asked what I advise youngsters, I always say they should work from the heart. Never forget your roots – Indian culture teaches respect for elders, always hold that value. Believe in mentoring and opening doors to all and this will develop your business. Finally, never take no for an answer – if you are committed to a project, give it your 110%.

AL:

What HR policy do you follow in or-

SB: der to make your employees deliver success?

We have over 3000 employees AL: and 1000 doctors in our medical business alone. I firmly believe that in business, one cannot expand and be in all places. So you have to make every employee a partner in your journey. In my case, I have built a network of team-members who take forward our management vision and business goals. Although I am accessible to all, I use this network to handle day-to-day operations smoothly. Every employee is a stakeholder – in their success lies mine. I also believe that when you take joy in your work, there is no 21 SALAAM BAHRAIN

DECEMBER 2017

new in town

Actress Tamannah cuts 39th Al Adil ribbon in Bahrain

To the cheering of thousands of fans, popular movie star Tamannah Bhatia inaugurated the 39th store of Al Adil Trading Co LLC, in Umm Al Hassam yesterday along with the iconic store’s Chairman Dr. Dhananjay Datar, the food tycoon popularly known as ‘Masala King’. Actress Tamannah is currently riding fan charts for her performance in all-time blockbuster ‘Baahubali’.

The store, which is a a leading name for Indian food stuff throughout the GCC, is located opposite Copper Chimney restaurant and opens just in time for Bahrain’s National Day on December 16th. This is the third Al Adil in Bahrain. Every store in the chain is opened by an Indian movie star and Dr. Datar says this underscores his admiration for the multi-talented

persona of the modern Indian woman.

“Our commitment to quality foodstuff, freshness and the affordable pricing is a tribute to all women who demand nutrition at the best price for their family,” Dr. Dhananjay Datar said, “Tamannah Bhatia who is with us for this opening, is a popular and recognized movie star and well-known for her strong on-screen characters that she plays. Her ability to make a mark for herself in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu cinema is an indication of her vast talent as an actress. I believe that the presence of such a talented and beautiful young star to inaugurate our stores is my way of acknowledging the many roles that modern women play in their lives as artistes, working women and guardians of the family.”

22 SALAAM BAHRAIN

DECEMBER 2017

Whether you are looking for littleknown spice mixes like the Bengali Panch Poren or the spicy and pungent Rajwadi Masala & also 11,000 products from all over India whether you want pickles or breakfast powders to whip up classic dosa and idli, all are available here. The store even conducts Wheat Festivals in which customers can select whole wheat berries and get it milled into fine flour, keeping the goodness of the grain unadulterated.

It is worthy to note that Dr Datar is instrumental in bringing 3,000 new more Indian products to the GCC region.

In Bahrain, there are two other Al Adil stores: one in Manama (opposite Al Hamra Cinema) and the second at Yateem Centre.

23 SALAAM BAHRAIN

DECEMBER 2017

Global travel goes B2B Established in 1970, Global Travel & Tours is one of the oldest travel agencies in the Kingdom and a part of Alireza & Sons Group of Companies conglomerate. Global Travel & Tours now has launched a B2B portal, becoming the first online travel agency in the Kingdom to cater services to all non IATA travel agencies. With this specially designed online B2B portal, the local non IATA travel agents will be able to issue tickets for more than 150 legacy carriers, 40 low cost carriers, more 300,000 hotels and travel insurance under one login.

As this will ease the process, the industry will see an increase in the business by next year. “Our B2B online portal is getting popular rapidly. We already have more than 25 Travel Agents and corporate accounts before we launch this product tonight. The aim of the company is to bring the entire Bahrain non IATA community on board by end of 2018,� says Suhaib Kidwai, Chief Executive Officer of Global Travel.

24 SALAAM BAHRAIN

DECEMBER 2017

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Doing it right in a welcoming land In conversation with Philippines Ambassador Alfonso Ver Ambassador Alfonso Ferdinand Agbayani Ver is the envoy of the Philippines to Bahrain. Known as a very approachable diplomat, he has imbued the sprawling Philippines Embassy with his personality so that it is a cheery and friendly place that the community can come to anytime.

It was the same welcoming warmth that greeted Salaam Bahrain when we sought an interview with him. Here are highlights:

Filipinos in Bahrain The 60,000 strong Filipino community is the fourth largest in Bahrain and 15% of them are professionals in the engineering, medicare, hospitality and other fields. About 20,000 are based in households as domestic workers.

“This is a large community but our work in the embassy is made easier because the Filipinos are hard-working and peace-loving and the Bahraini companies and employers respect their contribution to the Kingdom,” said Ambassador Ver. Moreover, Bahrain is a

By MEERA RAVI

progressive and harmonious land and the Bahraini people take their cue from the leaders and are welcoming of different communities and cultures. We get a lot of support from the Ministry of Labour and this makes our work smooth.”

multiple money transfers back home – typically, s/he would send fifty dinars today and two days later, maybe another ten for a family celebration or emergency.

Each transaction is charged about a dinar and so the exchange house makes more money from our community!”

Sweet spot

Savings lessons

Bahrain is a sweet spot for the Philippines, shared Ambassador Ver, because although the number of

Filipinos here are much less than other GCC countries, Bahrain’s Filipino diaspora is among the Top 20 when it comes to sending savings back to the Philippines.

“It's a double-edged thing, though,” he said ruefully, “Although Bahrainbased Pinoys send back more money than larger communities elsewhere, our people are still impulsive about money and lack a structured savings habit.

When I talk to exchange houses, I find that Filipinos are preferred customers because the average Filipino would send 26 SALAAM BAHRAIN

DECEMBER 2017

Ambassador Ver has started working with community volunteers to discuss financial planning with his countrywomen and men.

“We are talking to people in groups and as individuals especially as the festive season is coming – it's a time when excess is dangerously round the corner and we want fellow-Filipinos to understand how they can create a saving habit without losing out on fun.”

Although there are no plans to have any Filipino retail banking operation in the region, the migrant Filipinos everywhere cheered President Duterte’s announcement that his government would set up a financial institution dedicated to the needs of overseas Filipino workers. The first step for this was undertaken with the acquisition of the Philippine Postal Savings Bank by the Land Bank of the Philippines and the Overseas Filipino Bank will shortly get functional. The plan will be taken further by linking this bank to exchange houses abroad.

Presidential visit 2017 has been busy and high profile for Ambassador Ver and his team since President Duterte visited Bahrain in April, the first by a Filipino President in eight years. During the visit, five agreements were signed between both countries - . the first was the establishment of the High Joint Commission, that would be a forum through which all aspects of BahrainiPhilippines relations would be discussed;

then there was an agreement to the double-taxation agreement between both countries; an amendment to the air services agreement and a Memorandum of Understanding between the Foreign Service Institute of the Philippines and the Diplomatic Institute of the Bahrain Foreign Ministry.

There was also a private business investment agreement between a Bahraini company and a company in the Philippines.

The highlight of the visit for the community was a public meeting at the Khalifa Sports Stadium, which was attended by over 4,000 Filipinos.

The Philippines Embassy has also been the hub of activity in recent weeks, marking the 50th anniversary of the ASEAN with other ASEAN embassies since Manila heads the group this year.

In November, Ambassador Ver and team helped to host a colourful ASEAN reception that brought the diversity of these countries’ cultures alive for Bahrain residents.

Serving Philippines Ambassador Ver feels that Bahrain is not exposed enough to the potential of the Philippines. “With the support of Bahrain’s government leaders and officials, particularly those from the Foreign Ministry, I am working to establish and cultivate cordial and productive relationships with key officials and policy-makers, prominent members of the Bahraini community, the business sector, the professionals, academe, media and artists and other sectors, and harness such ties to promote bilateral interests. I would like to reiterate that we can expand Philippine-Bahrain economic relations, in the areas of agriculture/agri- business, renewable energy, health services, education and tourism.

I believe these areas have very strong potential which just need to be unleashed and allowed to flourish.

Moreover, there are other fields that may be enhanced, particularly in the areas of cultural cooperation, technical and vocational training and sports.”

THE YOUNGEST AMONG SEVEN CHILDREN, ALFONSO VER’S FATHER WAS A MILITARY ENGINEER AND HIS MOTHER WAS A HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER. GROWING UP IN A RELIGIOUS HOUSEHOLD, THEIR PARENTS INSTILLED IN HIM AND HIS SIBLINGS THE FILIPINO TRADITIONAL AND CONSERVATIVE VALUES. AMBASSADOR VER EARNED HIS BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE IN POLITICAL SCIENCE IN 1986 AND HIS GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN PUBLIC MANAGEMENT IN 1995, BOTH AT THE UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES. HE ACQUIRED HIS MASTER OF ARTS IN PUBLIC POLICY IN 2004 AT THE NATIONAL GRADUATE INSTITUTE OF POLICY STUDIES IN TOKYO, JAPAN, AS A SCHOLAR UNDER THE YOUNG LEADERS PROGRAM OF THE JAPANESE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION. BAHRAIN IS AMBASSADOR VER’S FIRST AMBASSADORIAL POSTING. PRIOR TO THIS, HE SERVED AS CONSUL THEN DEPUTY CONSUL GENERAL IN SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, USA FROM JULY 2009 TO SEPTEMBER 2012. HE ALSO SERVED AS FIRST SECRETARY AND CONSUL GENERAL THEN MINISTER AND CONSUL GENERAL AT THE PHILIPPINE EMBASSY IN ANKARA, REPUBLIC OF TURKEY FROM AUGUST 2005 UP TO JUNE 2009. HIS FIRST FOREIGN ASSIGNMENT WAS AT THE PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN GUAM FROM 1996 TO 2002 AS VICE CONSUL BEFORE BEING PROMOTED TO CONSUL. VER’S FAMILY IN BAHRAIN CONSISTS OF WIFE OF 20 YEARS, CAROLINE AND HIS YOUNGEST OF THREE SONS, RAFAEL. 27 SALAAM BAHRAIN

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10 Unique Filipino Christmas Traditions Resilient, jubilant and charming, Pinoys are known all over the world for their long, lavish, animated and one-of-a-kind Yuletide celebrations.

By KARINA LAZZARRAGE While Christmas is a holiday celebrated worldwide, some traditions are completely and uniquely Filipino. The colourful commingling of Asian and Spanish traditions have transformed this special holiday into something distinctively Pinoy. Here are the top ten features of a Pinoy Christmas..

1. September is Christmas time!

Yes, you’ll feel the spirit of Christmas in the Philippines as early as the first day of September! Once the “ber” months set in, Pinoys will start adorning establishments, houses and streets with eye-catching light displays, wondrous decorations and gigantic Christmas trees. Oh, and you’ll hear timeless Christmas classics and Yuletide carols in shopping malls and on the radio – played all throughout the day! few people will notice the difference.

of salabat (ginger tea), or a thick and hot traditional chocolate drink.

4. Christmas Caroling Known for their love of singing and music, the Filipinos joyfully celebrate Christmas with songs. A few weeks prior to Christmas day, groups of kids and adults visit houses and sing their hearts out with the help of their handmade instruments, such as drums made from used milk cans and tambourines made up of aluminium bottle tops (tansan). And after the homeowners reward the carollers with money, they sing or chant their words of thanks.

5. Belen Similar to the Nativity Scene in many Western nations, the Belen is a tableau that depicts the Holy Family at the birth of Jesus. The Belen is an iconic Filipino decoration that’s often showcased in many parks, offices, homes and establishments – it is made traditionally with coconut husk and shells.

6. Noche Buena Any child growing up in a Filipino home would always recall fond memories of the Noche Buena. Celebrated on Christmas

A colourful belan made of coconut fibre and shell

2. Simbang Gabi Misa de Gallo, or Simbang Gabi, is a tradition that shows how Christmastime has become ‘Filipinised’.

Practiced mainly by Catholics, the Simbang Gabi is a nineday series of masses held daily from 16th December right up to Christmas Eve, to honour the Blessed Virgin Mary and in anticipation of Christmas.

Aside from showing their devotion, many Pinoys take part in these masses in hopes of having a wish granted.

3. Native Delicacies Food plays a central role in every Filipino occasion. Christmas is no exception. After attending a Simbang Gabi, Pinoys often help themselves with luscious servings of Bibingka and Puto Bumbong. They then wash these delicacies down with a cup

Church of San Augustin, one of the oldest in the Phillippines

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Eve or after the midnight mass, the much-anticipated Noche Buena is where the family gather for a grand dinner overflowing with tasty traditional Filipino holiday staples, such as lechon,

9. Manito-Manita No school, house or office Christmas party is complete without the Manito-Manita, a form of exchanging gifts where each participant has their own anonymous gift-giver. The identities of both receiver and giver are revealed only during the office or class Christmas party.

10. Christmas ‘til January!

Fun fact: The Philippines has the longest Christmas season in the world! The Yuletide season in other countries typically ends on 25th December or on New Year’s Day. In the Philippines however, the season extends until January specifically till the Three Kings, or the Feast of Epiphany (this year it is 6 January), – a religious event celebrated with a mass that marks the end of Christmas season in the Philippines.

A beautiful Parol - X'mas decor that shows the Filipono artistry

sweetened ham, pancit, queso de bola, and a lot more.

7. Parols Christmas lanterns, also known as “parols”, beautifully light up streets, homes and shopping malls in the Philippines, during the Yuletide season. Created by an artisan in 1928, parols were originally made to help villagers find their way to chapels and churches to pray.

The January festival of the Epiphany sees a parade of The Three Kings

8. Aguinaldo It’s a common tradition for Pinoys to visit their relatives on Christmas day.

Young and old, all wear their finest clothes and visit their elder relatives as well as godparents to pay respects. Here, children would practice the age-old tradition of “mano”, where one’s forehead is touched by the hand of the elder. For the most part, children are rewarded and presented with ‘aguinaldo’ (gifts) or money by their relatives or godparents.

A Manila street scene during Christmas time 29 SALAAM BAHRAIN

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health

Aster doctor advises lifestyle clean-up Situated in the hub of the expat community in Bahrain’s Gudaibiya, the Aster Medical Centre has fast become a trusted name for all nationalities. Aster is a trusted name and this month, Aster DM Healthcare Group completes 30 years of medical service.

“The Gudaibiya Centre has won the confidence of the Filipino community and we have developed a good rapport with them,” said Dr. Lezel Mahinay, who has been working with Aster Clinic since 2015. She brings a unique understanding of the lifestyle issues and health concerns that can worry the Filipino community. With a dozen years of international experience in the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Pompeii-Italy, Canada and Bahrain, she says Bahrain’s expat doctors handle a more diverse spread of nationalities than they would back home.

One of the main tips Dr. Lezel gives is to watch our lifestyle. “We live in a fast paced society and if we don’t watch our lifestyle, we will face undue health issues,” Dr. Mahinay said, “In addition to

poor lifestyle choices such as bad diet and lack of exercise and habits such as smoking, there are a lot of medical conditions that are caused due to our race and genetic make-up.”

She warned, “Conditions like hypertension, obesity, heart condition, diabetes, etc are mainly caused due smoking, alcohol consumption and unhealthy diet. One must find a balance – I am not asking patients to completely avoid red-flag items such as fried foods and red meat. But moderation is the key in order to prevent any long term damage to your body. If you think only of today without care for your future that can cause major health issues.”

In Bahrain, the Group began in 2015 with the spacious Gudaibiya centre and now also runs a clinic in Sanad. Aster clinics in Bahrain provide the highest standard of healthcare services to its patients. The two clinics, possess highly experienced doctors and physicians who provide speciality care in dentistry, dermatology, ENT, general & internal medicine, general surgery, obstetrics

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Dr. Lezel Mahinay Baliad, MD General Physician

and gynecology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, pediatrics and urology. Aster also offers its patients everything from internal medicine, paediatrics to radiology and other diagnostic services.

The group also has a strong CSR philosophy and helps patients through free check-ups and medical camps. The facilities and services are affordable and economical.

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Pinoy Restaurants Top 10 There is a lively eating-out scene for the Filipino community in Bahrain. Not surprising, since the Filipino are sociable people who take their food seriously and sharing a meal is a great way to bond. If you are unfamiliar with Filipono food and don’t know what to order, our team has rounded up the best bargain eats in these small and cosy Filipino restaurants around Bahrain with recommendations on best-on-menu items. Remember, pork is a delicacy in the Philippines and if you don’t eat it, make sure to tell the staff. Now enjoy!

Pinoy Turo Turo Garden A visit to Pinoy Turo Turo Restaurant in Hoora, just off Exhibition Road, would not be complete without trying their Chicken or Pork “Sisig”. This sizzling dish is without a doubt the favourite of many and it can be enjoyed in the cozy atmosphere of the restaurant.

Delivery: 17-310143

Hot Pot Arguably one of the most popular Filipino restaurants in the Kingdom of Bahrain today. Enjoy a sumptuous buffet every Friday at lunch at a very affordable BD3.500 per person. It is also one of the few places that serves the Pinoy favourite “Taho”, which is a tofu-based dessert.

Hot Pot is located right opposite Kuwaiti Building in Gudaibiya. It cannot be missed.

Delivery: 17-251565

Fast Food There are a handful of outlets of Fast Food Restaurant in the country, with the most popular being in Gudaibiya along Old Palace Avenue opposite Ashraf’s and in Um Al Hassam, right behind Moon Plaza Hotel. Almost every dish is worth a try, although the “Max Chicken” and “Sago Gulaman” stand out.

Delivery: 17-231106 32 SALAAM BAHRAIN

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foody finds Borakay “The Little Engine That Could”. This restaurant is located in the heart of Hoora, near the Golden Sands apartments. Although it is less popular than its bigger counterparts, it certainly leads the field in taste and value for money. You can enjoy a filling dinner, complete with entrée and drink, for just BD2. Try any of their “Silogs” and you will be more than satisfied.

Delivery: 17-514400

Swan Lake Located in the Manama Souq near Bab Al Bahrain, Swan Lake has a variety of Filipino favourites on its menu. Recommended by most is the Tomorrow Yum Soup, which some even go as far as saying is the best in Bahrain. Prices are reasonable and the servings are aplenty.

Delivery: 17-227761 go meals that are cooked daily every morning and need only to be heated for those dining in or taking away. Its most popular dish is the pork or chicken barbecue, which is a must-have everytime you visit. It’s a small place but it’s big on taste!

Delivery: 33364474

Kimpura Formerly known as Kowloon, Kimpura has long been the go-to place for Filipinos looking for a great meal at an even greater price. Their most popular offering on the menu is the Tapsilog, which comes with Fried “Shomai” and garlic rice. Kimpura is located just off Exhibition Road in the area opposite the Hoora Police Station.

Delivery: 36739074

Bahay Kubo Located in Manama opposite The Indian Club, Bahay Kubo is one of the most popular Filipino restaurants in the Kingdom of Bahrain. They offer a wide variety of flavourful meals, but the favourite of everyone that frequents the establishment is their “Krispy Pata” – a dish that cannot be ignored even by those with high blood pressure! Check it out and you won’t be disappointed.

Delivery: 17-231996

Extra Coffee This Filipino establishment is little in size

but big in flavour! They offer a full breakfast for just BD1 and many other dishes throughout the day. But what people generally return for is the Beef Steak Tagalog, which will truly make your mouth water just thinking about it. Extra Coffee is located in Guaibiya near the original Ajeeb Stores.

Delivery: 17-297118

Shaflout Shaflout Restaurant has been serving the Filipino community for many years now, and it is a desired destination for many.

Shaflout is most famous for its ready-to33 SALAAM BAHRAIN

DECEMBER 2017

Jollibee One cannot have a list of top or favourite Filipino restaurants with the undeniable king of Philippine food industry, Jollibee.

The popular franchise has opened an outlet in Bahrain, much to the delight of the thousands of Filipinos residing in the country. Their menu offers a mix of choices, including burgers, fried chicken, spaghetti and desserts – all of which are favourites of every Filipino national. Jollibee is located on Exhibition Road opposite the Hoora Police Station.

Delivery: 17-777900

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Tapestry of unity at ASEAN gala In commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Embassy of the Philippines in the Kingdom of Bahrain hosted a reception with other resident ASEAN Embassies at the Gulf Convention Centre on 14 November 2017. The five (5) ASEAN Nations in Bahrain are Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand. The night started off with speech by Ambassador Alfonso A Ver of the Philippines, cake cutting ceremony by the VVIPs and continued with fashion show of traditional costumes, participated by the community. There are also country booths set-up for the guests to have a glimpse of ASEAN at the pre-event area.

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Argentina Supermarket - S.E. Asian food hub Bright and full of amazing South East Asian foodstuffs and well known international brands, Argentina Supermarket in Gudaibiya is popular with everybody – but especially with the Filipino community. Having begun operations in October 2009, the supermarket has now grown into a well-known chain of four larger supermarkets.

“At Argentina, we strive to maintain the right product mix, and also make sure of perennial availability of the fresh fruits & vegetables, dairy products & meats among other products for daily consumption,” said Arun Kalkani, a partner, “Apart from our target audience being the lovely Filipino community, we also stock up on leading brands in the food & cosmetics segment that cater to the larger community, Bahrainis Indians as well as Thai.”

He added that the secret to the success of the supermarket was the support of loyal customers and the immense and efficient hard work put in by the team.

Three of the supermarkets are located in Gudabiya – in the same lane as Hafsa, near Daiso lane and near Tariq Pastries, while one is located in Hoora opposite to Gosi Mall.

“For now, we are quite content with our achievement and would like to maintain focus on enhancing services in our cur-

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rent chain, for example in the coming weeks, we will be adopting NFC & QR code method of payments - if the customer would prefer to avail of that payment method. But we are also always on the lookout for locations that would prove to be customer-conveniencefriendly.”

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Pinoy fest for charity

The Filipino community in Bahrain celebrated Pinoy Masskara Festival one of their biggest festival at Lost Paradise of Dilmun Waterpark (LPOD). In collaboration with Houras Consultancy, this colourful festival featured a variety of entertainment for guests and was organised to raise funds for various charitable projects in the Kingdom and in Philippines as well.

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SGS makes its moves Shree Gujarati Samaj, the club that celebrates and nurtures the cultural identity of the hard-working Gujarati community, has a new team at its helm following the election of Taral Parekh as President and has found a new lease of life in a burst of activities.

The installation of the new team was a grand affair in the Golden Tulip Hotel with members dressed in their finest to cheer their new Managing Committee. This was followed by a quick and colourful promotion of all things gloriously Gujarati in collaboration with the Lulu Hypermarket. The one-day festival of Gujarati cuisine and fresh seasonal vegetables was complemented by the SGS cultural show.

At the time of going to press, the SGS has also hosted well-known motivational speaker Kaajal Oza who shared life lessons with her eager audience. That was an enjoyable first for SGS - and there will surely be many more to come!

The new team takes a bow in the company of suppoters

Kushang & family, Himanshu, Hemant & Parul

VIP guests and SGS committee members

Colourfully cultural show

Two traditional Gujju cuties at Lulu’s Glorious Gujarat event

Taral, Hency, Aadit and Hina Parekh make a grand Gujarati entry

A rapt audience

Taral and Lulu’s Juzer Rupawala make a point

The Fab Fifties ladies who rocked the garba floor

This gentleman won special appreciation for hi elaborate dress

Ingredients for a banquet straight from Gujarat

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in the news

GOPIO convention set for January 6-9, 2018 The Global Organisation for People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) is an international forum that serves as a platform for the Indian diaspoa and – as the name says – people of Indian origin. The GOPIO Biennial Convention 2018 will take place in Bahrain from January 6-8, 2018 at the Gulf Hotel’s Convention Centre.

Members of GOPIO and leaders of several countries, will be among the 500+ delegates arriving in Manama for the three-day conference, which has the support of the governments of India and Bahrain.

The global body will also hold its Annual General Body Meeting on Jan. 6th, which will consider many bylaws amendments.

According to Sunny Kulathakal, Global GOPIO Ambassador, “The Bahrain convention will live up to GOPIO's role as a strategic networking platform for Indian businessmen globally. We are also planning to hold the GOPIO annual Community Service Awards (CSA) Banquet on the evening of January 8, 2018 as the concluding event of GOPIO Biennial Convention 2018.”

Having worked tirelessly for the GOPIO

cause, Kulathakal, publisher of the popular compendium of power people, the Gulf Who’s Who Directory, says the convention will address key issues that the diaspora faces in these changing times.

“We are expecting many VIP speakers as well as a VVIP for the Convention,” he said, “The sessions promise to be lively and productive.”

Bahrain's Energy Minister, Dr. Abdul Hussain Mirza welcomed the decision of GOPIO to hold the convention in the Gulf kingdom.

“With a lively Indian community and warm ties between Bahrain and India for millennia, we are happy to serve as a

platform for the Indian diaspora from all over the world,” Dr. Mirza said, “The Bahrain government will do everything to facilitate the success of this GOPIO Convention.”

Arrangements include special rates for registered GOPIO delegates in the allnew Park-Regis Hotel and a Desert Safari tour scheduled for January 9.

The travel and visa arrangements have been delegated to travel partner Dadabhai Travels.

Contact: Sunny Kulathakal, Global Ambassador, GOPIO International, Tel. in Bahrain +973-39441956, India +919845756692, E-mail: kulathakal44@ gmail.com

Shaktikanta Das welcomed in Bahrain The Odia community in Bahrain came together to welcome Shaktikanta Das, a bureaucrat of formidable talent, on his first visit to Bahrain. Credited with transforming Tamil Nadu's industrialisation and policies during is long tenure there, Das was later spokesperson for the Finance Ministry in his capacity as Economic Affairs Secretary in the days after demonitisation.

Shortly after his return from Bahrain, Das was made India’s G20 Sherpa till December 31, 2018 for the Development Track of the group. Sherpa is a personal representative of the leaders participating at the G-20 and responsible for thrashing out the details before the meeting of the leaders.

Mr. Shaktikanta Das addressing the gathering

The Bahrain Odias share a moment with the visionary

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financial

One policy with double the benefits The nuclear family and double income economic reality have made joint life insurance plans popular

Life insurance has traditionally been designed to cover the life of the primary breadwinner of a family. However, with changing times, families are more often nuclear in structure. As couples get more independent and also with the rise in the number of working couples, an increasing need is now being felt for life insurance cover for the spouse also. Both the earning members contribute towards meeting household expenses and all aspects, such as lifestyle, loans etc, are planned based on this. Consequently, in nuclear families, the economic impact of death or disability of any of the earning members is severe and therefore such mishaps need to be adequately covered. One way to effectively do this is by opting for a joint life cover.

What is joint life insurance? Joint life insurance, as the name suggests, offers the opportunity to secure oneself and spouse under one contract. It is a comprehensive protection plan with multiple benefits for both. Simply put, it ensures that the future of your

family is secured, if either of you are not there.

According to experts, joint life insurance is also beneficial for young couples, particularly those with small kids or outstanding loans, who are starting their family life.

That is because the payment received upon the death of either of the partners will be very significant in comparison to the amount invested in the policy. It is worth covering the life of a non-working spouse too because if he/she were to die, taking care of the children and other family members could be a significant burden.

LIC’s benefits Typically a joint life insurance policy offers payout on death of either one of the two insured as well as, in some cases, regular income to pre-specified surviving family members. Some policies also offer additional benefits. For example, the LIC ‘Double Cover Joint Life Plan’ (Plan – 215) the sum assured is immediately payable in the event of death of one of the partners, to the surviving partner. In addition, the surviving partner need not pay further premiums but the policy is kept in force and will continue to earn bonuses declared on the basis of valuations.

The basic sum assured with bonus is paid on the date of maturity, if both the partners survive the selected term.

In case of one partner dying, the basic sum assured with bonuses is payable to surviving partner on the date of maturity or to the nominee in the event of the death of the surviving 40 SALAAM BAHRAIN

DECEMBER 2017

partner before the date of maturity. If one of the partner dies a lump sum payout is made to help the surviving partner maintain a certain level of economic stability. Thus, this plan gives total and complete insurance protection to the whole family.

Accident Benefit Another feature of Joint Life Plan is Accident Benefit that is available for both the partners during the term of the policy or up to the age of 70, whichever is earlier. In case of total and permanent disability arising as a result of an accident, all future premiums to the extent of sum assured equivalent to accident benefit sum assured are waived and an amount equal to accident benefit sum assured will be paid in equal monthly instalments spread over for 10 years. In case of unfortunate death of one of the partners due to an accident, in addition to basic sum assured, an amount equal to the accident benefit sum assured is paid to the surviving partner (This Rid- A joint life cover will insure both the spouses on the same terms and conditions. However, if separate policies are taken, the policy terms, conditions and cost can be chosen by each spouse as per his/her individual requirements.

- There is a choice of flexible payment terms for both policies. If premium have been paid for a period of three years(two years in case of limited term payment) and thereafter due to unforeseen circumstances, payment cannot be made, policy will

er is available for a maximum sum assured of US $ 100,000 for an individual, inclusive of all the policies, held by him). In case of unfortunate death of both the partners in the same accident, or another accident in the same policy anniversary, this benefit is payable on both the lives.

Other Benefits LIC’s other plan, the ‘Double Cover Endowment Plan’ (Plan 206) is a valueadded endowment plan. In addition to the usual benefits such as investment

and liquidity, it also offers double the life cover as an additional benefit. So, in the event of policyholder’s death, twice the basic sum assured is paid along with vested bonuses on the basic sum assured, thus providing the benefit of both endowment and term assurance.

The policy holder can raise a loan on the security of the policy after the policy has acquired paid-up value by payment of premium at least for three years from the date of commencement (two years in case of limited pre-

mium paying terms).

Both policies can be transferred to LIC of India on repatriation of the policy holder to India (T&C apply). The sum assured and attached bonus, if any, shall stand altered to the equivalent Indian rupee amount at the rate of exchange, current on the date on which the request for transfer is received by the Company and subject to the instruction current on that date of Reserve Bank of India.

Bahrain Chapter of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (Affiliated to Bahrain Accountants Association)

Greetings and Wishes on the 46th National Day of the Kingdom of Bahrain

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DECEMBER 2017

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9th BCICAI meet spotlights corporate & personal wealth growth With 19 speakers and panelists addressing a lively gathering of 400 delegates, the 9th annual BCICAI conference was a thought-provoking and stimulating success. Held under the patronage of the Minister of Industry, Commerce & Tourism, Zayed Al Zayani, the event had a well-planned roster of topics built around the theme, “Transforming Possibilities into Reality”.

An auspicious inaguration by chief guest Ali A.Maki of Ministory of Commerce

“The conference was very well-attended and an important key towards making chartered accountants in Bahrain stay in touch with the swiftly changing professional climate in India and in Bahrain,” said BCICAI Chairperson CA Uday Shanbhag, “With new taxation regulations in Bahrain and India, the role of chartered accountants will be increasingly important in the future. Bahrain

emphasises transparency and a strong legal foundation for doing business and chartered accountants are proud to have contributed richly to the Kingdom’s progress.”

A highlight was a panel discussion on “Wealth Creation” led by CA Anil Singhvi, well-known TV financial consultant and Markets Editor at the leading Hindi business and consumer news channel, CNBC Awaaz.

Launch of the conference souvenir

Women CA members with the Excom - a voice to reckon with

The Panel Discussion - Wealth Creation through Equity - Panel Moderator CA Anil Singhvi, Panelists: CA Navneet Munot, CA Shankar Sharma, CA Arun Thukral

Speakers CA Sandhya, CA Varsha with BCICAI Chairperson CA Uday Shanbhag and CA Shubhashree

Understanding the Dabbawala theory with Dr.Pavan Delegates at the conference Agrawal

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Luminous Bhavahara enthralls A dance drama that skillfully blended aspects of modern sound and light, contemporary stagecraft, dance and classical elements, the drama about the battlefield encounter between Karna of Mahabharata and his secret biological mother Kunti was rich in emotion. Director and main protagonist Dr. Nidhi Menon did a fantastic job of all the roles she donned on-stage and off-stage!

43 SALAAM BAHRAIN

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sports scene

Ironing out fitness goals The recently-concluded Iron Man 70.3 triathlon in Bahrain was especially significant for Indian and Pakistani fans of the extreme sport because two participants from each country held aloft the flag with performances of grit, determination and sheer strength.

By KASHMEERA S.

Bahrain-based Muneeza Munawar made her mark as the first female triathlete from the Kingdom and the first Pakistani female contestant to compete in the Ironman championship. From India, there was Dr. Amit Samarth, who hails from Nagpur in Central India and has completed the Iron Man race of 226.61 kilometres ten times. He has also to his credit the RAAM (Race Across America) – he was the first Indian to complete the 5000 kilometre cycling race from California to Maryland in his very first attempt (another Indian Dr. S. Gokulnath finished a couple of hours ahead of him, but that was in his second attempt.)

The gruelling Bahrain Ironman 70.3 is a personal favourite of sportsman prince HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa. It was organised over three legs, beginning with a 1.9km swim lap, followed by 90km of cycling and 21.1km of running. It started at 6.20am at the Bahrain Bay and extended all the way to Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir and back.

Let’s hear it from the champions themselves.

Dr. Amit Samarth Having goals is extremely important, but having the passion to pursue them, is nothing short of a blessing. Like most Indian families, mine too underscored academic excellence and sports and physical activity were not given much thought. As a result, by the time I reached Grade 12, I weighed 95 kilos. It was only after I secured my admission to study medicine that I even entered a gym! Even then, in my obsession with study, I used to hardly exercise and binge on junk food.

My main goal was to become a doctor, but in the process of realizing my dreams, I neglected my health, and binged on junk. Once I realized my mistake, though, I chose to not just get into the gym but transform my energy through endurance sports.

Having participated in various events like Race Across America (RAAM), and finishing a triathlon at Busselton, near Australia, what is very commendable over here is that, Amit’s

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obsession for fitness did not diminish, it increased. “RAAM is one of the toughest events I have ever participated, as one is supposed to cycle 3070 miles, across 12 states, and climb over 1,70,000 vertical feet, which is not very easy. I am grateful to have completed it in 11 days and 21 hours, and feel jubilant to have been placed 8th worldwide. The same happiness I feel even for completing the triathlon, which was the first Iron Man title I won,” adds the fitness enthusiast.

The 10 Ironman triathlons have been the most humbling experiences of my life. I get huge support from my family and friends in all my races. But, what I have learnt from my training till the day of competition is that, if you wish to do something, it is only your strong will that will take you across the finish lne.

Exercise is like a baby. The more love you lavish on it, it will respond back with greater benefits. It benefits your health, your body and also is an antidepressant. It allows for calmer and clearer thinking. But getting to the point where we understand this is a real challenge.

Today, when I participate in such fitness events, my main agenda is not just limited to completing the event or winning the title, but making people realize the importance of exercising, and staying in shape. My objective is to promote sports and an active lifestyle and inspire people – especially Indians, who, sadly, do not have a modern mindset that encourages physical fitness, to give more priority to sports. In future, I want to establish the School of Endurance Sports in Nagpur to develop national and international level athletes in endurance sports like cycling, running and triathlon.

Muneeza Munawer I have always been an athletic person and was encouraged to pursue sports by my parets and my school. As I grew older, I combined my love of sports with sports coaching for women. As a member of the Bahrain School Tennis Team, I have worked as a swimming coach for female students at the International School of Chouifat in Lahore, Pakistan.

Apart from that, I have even participated in the first ever women’s Aquathlon (swim and run), full marathon and duathlon (bike and run). I took up running seriously only in January 2017, when I joined Bahrain Road Runners, and now I am a board member responsible for members’ affairs.

It has always been my ambition to support women in sports. Women are excelling in every professional and academic sphere but they do need inspiration and support to excel in sports. It makes me more happy to see more and more girls and women of all ages in Bahrain taking up outdoor sports, especially cycling.

Today, seeing women athletes compete shoulder to shoulder with male athletes in endurance sports like Ironman 70.3 fills me with pride. The fact that I was the the first female triathlete in Bahrain and the first Pakistani woman to compete in this event is a great honour. The experience and the atmosphere has been awesome, though it was my first Ironman experience!

With the support of volunteers, spectators, and organizers, and from the 11 months of my training, I have learnt 3 new disciplines: Time management, performance improvement, and physical health cum nutrition.

As you participate in more and more challenging sports events, you will get to know yourself better and develop confidence that you can overcome difficult situations. When you develop this kind of attitude, nobody can stop you from fulfilling your passion, and inspiring others.

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fashion

‘Mithila in Soho’ by Neha Agarwal Presented a fascinating women's wear collection ‘Mithila in Soho’ during Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2017. The clothes spoke of a raw and bold look in a range of contemporary evening wear inspired by Madhubani Art. Art works were brought to life by hand embroidery derived from the age-old weaving techniques of Uktu. The collection was a mix of sharp tailoring, blended with conventional fits. Sheath dresses with predominant colourful Madhubani prints caused a sensation on the ramp. Showcasing diversity in their design aesthetics and overall versatility were a range of cropped tops, bell bottoms, tent dresses, palazzos, jumpsuits, skirts and shorts that were teamed with jackets that made the ensembles inventive yet commercial. Detailing such as ribbed collars, panels, plackets and hems along with embroidered prints and knits gave the perfect combination of style, glamour and energy.

For fashion with an artistic palette, a range of stretch, suede and handloom matka silks were merged with studio knitted rayon and silk zari knits. A new fabric was witnessed that seamlessly blended Lycra with Banarasi silk yarns for a young comfortable and modern look. Muted earth tones like indigo, ochre, terracotta, along with warmer hues like chestnut, burgundy and vermillion served as a base for all the garments.

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Urvashi Joneja's ‘Concrete’ collection There was a strong, social, cultural and environmental message from Urvashi Joneja’s ‘Concrete’ collection at Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2017. Varying aspects of progress inspired the prints and textures and Sarah Jane Dias made for a pretty picture in one of her designs.

The building blocks, staircases and wrecking of the environment were adequately highlighted through the garments. The look created by Lakmé Makeup Expert, Donald Simrock, had a bold metallic purple touch to it.

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fashion

Jayanti Reddy's rich festive wear Jayanti Reddy brought glamour of the bygone era to the ramp with dramatic outfits that were hugely inspired by the Roman Empire era yet incorporated dazzling Indian embroidery.

The collection mainly consisted of lehengas, jackets, tunics, dupattas, blouses and also pants. The elaborate thread work lifted the craftsmanship of the outfits and made a dressy statement.

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Fashion on your wrist The Raga Foliage collection by Titan is the perfect accessory to enhance elegance and confidence in a woman on any occasion, be it festive or formal. Crafted with a mother of pearl dial and Swarovski crystals, the Raga Foliage collection captures the beauty of greeneries like Mulberry, Mentha and Aspen, among others. A true mark of fine craftsmanship and meticulous design, this collection is available in five exquisite case designs with 15 variants.

Mulberry

Maidenhair

The design captures the silhouette of veins of a Mulberry leaf. Combined with the motif, its mother-of-pearl dial brings alive the beauty of the leaf. The intricate pattern on the bracelet sketches the image of shining veins on the leaf. Crafted with Rose Gold and Steel looks, this watch is available in two variants.

The unique shape of the leaf of Maidenhair tree finds an expression in this design. Swarovski crystals placed on each time piece represents the blooms of the tiny flowers of the tree. The leaf veins are impressed on the leaves to form a free swing bracelet. With a relieving lapped dial, the design is crafted with Rose Gold, Gold and Steel looks.

Mentha

Aspen

The unique shape of the leaf of Maidenhair tree finds an expression in this design. Swarovski crystals placed on each time piece represents the blooms of the tiny flowers of the tree.

The leaf veins are impressed on the leaves to form a free swing bracelet.

With a relieving lapped dial, the design is crafted with Rose Gold, Gold and Steel looks.

This design accentuates the veins on the leaves of the Aspen tree. The dial diligently captures the microscopic view of the veins on the leaf. With a solid half-kada bracelet, this collection is available in Gold and Steel looks.

Blueberry

Acacia

The little known Acacia leaves stands as a symbol of togetherness. Its bracelet link beautifully captures the leaves standing together. The dial, adorned with two Swarovski crystals and various shapes of leaves as pattern, create an elegant charm. This collection is crafted with Rose Gold, Gold and Silver looks and has three variants.

The little known Acacia leaves stands as a symbol of togetherness. Its bracelet link beautifully captures the leaves standing together. The dial, adorned with two Swarovski crystals and various shapes of leaves as pattern, create an elegant charm. This collection is crafted with Rose Gold, Gold and Silver looks and has three variants.

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salaam society

Chai pe Charcha @FiLLi Dubai-based FiLLi, which was first brought to Bahrain by Adnan Gilitwala has opened its second chai café in Lulu Hypermarket in Riffa. The cool vibe of the tea and snacks outlet and its awesome taste have won it many fans among busy shoppers and officegoers in Bab Al Bahrain. Now it is the turn of Riffa residents to be wowed!

Brand-owner Raffih Filli and Adnan Gilitwala of The Epitome Restaurant & Coffee Shop Managament W.L.L inaugurated the Riffa café with its delectable menu of special teas and other delicious food and drink temptations, all day every day.

Psst! Have a taste of their rich Zafran Tea with a delightfully spiced samosa..you’ll be FiLLi-ed for life!

Adnan Gilitwala and Raffih Filli (fourth & fifth from left) at the opening – cool vibe

Shoppers get a sampling of FiLLi chai

Melodious Kalaalaya hits right notes A group of dedicated and talented amateur musicians have been putting up great musical shows since their founding in 2002. This year, the group celebrated its Crystal Jubilee with a house-full music show attended by over 600 people.

The Chairman of SPAC media house which publishes the popular 4 pm Malayalam newspaper, P Unnikrishnan was Chief Guest and prominent restarateur Vivekanand, the owner of Ananda Bhavan Restaurant and social activist Sudhir Thirunallath were the Guests of Honour. Other VIP guests included Anita Hariharan, Managing Director of Poorna Corp. Title Sponsors were Zayani Motors, Devji and Trafco.

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QBB .... a name you can trust for that natural and superior taste in so many ways .... every time!

The First Choice for All Your Cooking...

cuisine

Healthy Christmas hacks Worried about a Santa-like waistline? Use our time-tested hacks to have a healthy festive season!

By GERRY ANTONY The holidays at the end of the year can feel so much like you’re being fattened for sacrifice, what with office parties and hysterical year-end get-togethers where one eats and drinks into the new year. To help you stay sane and ..well, relatively healthy, we have worked out ten hacks that will let you enjoy the parties within a permissible calorie count. Of course the best advise is that your health is in your hands!

Also, our festive recipe collection is eclectic – we have two fusion entries that complement all kinds of meals, a Bahraini meat dish that acknowledges National Day, a Goan fish curry and a ridiculously easy Mangalorean rice laddu. We chose Goa and Mangalore because these regions celebrate Christmas with many local traditions and dishes.

PARTY TRICKS Fill up on lean cuisine like light soups and veggie sticks Avoid breads. Hummus and mutable make great dips for roasted veg pieces.

Stand away by more than an arm's length from munchies like nuts or chips. That way, while you chat, you're not tempted to raise your hand to your mouth every few seconds.

Don’t circulate with a plate of nibbles. Try to set your

Plan ahead and make room for festive temptations. For instance, if you have an evening party, avoid the mid-morning latte from a couple of days before (a skinny latte is 90 calories) or substitute the afternoon sandwich snack with fresh fruit all through the festive season.

Invest calories wisely – why waste your carbs on everyday French fries when you could avoid them and opt for the family recipe plum cake slice? Why go for cream-based soups when you can save up for that rich savoury curry and rice?

Drink up on water before the party. Even a slight dehydration

Researchers found that when chocolates were placed six feet away, the average person ate only four a day, as opposed to nine a day when within arm’s reach.

can send confused hunger signals to the brain.

Drink down – mind your intake of calorie and sugar-rich alcohol. After a couple of drinks switch to a pretty glass of detox water – sparkling water with slices of fruit. Chances are few people will notice the difference.

food down until you're finished chatting so you are more aware of what you're taking in.

Contribute to the hostess’s table with your own healthy dish that fits your resolution and diet plan and ensure you can indulge in one item at least!

Portion control is vital. Eat only as much as will fit a salad plate, serve yourself with a teaspoon and no seconds.

Group eating helps. At a big sit-down supper, be the last one to start and the second one to stop eating.

People who make their choices all at once eat about 14 percent less than do those who keep refilling when each course is passed.

Keep evidence around of what you’ve consumed so you don’t forget and go for unnecessary seconds. Leave an empty glass in view to remind you that you have already had that drink, leave a small crumb of festive sweet on the dessert plate.

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MALL TURN Fill up on healthy snacks before shopping. You can focus better on the gift list plus going hungry to a mall always invites rushed decisions and indiscreet snacking Route map in the mall will help you avoid temptations such as passing the warm and sweet-smelling cinnamon pie stall again and again. Both sights and smells can coax you to eat.

Table meals are always best – they encourage you to pause and focus on your food. Kiosk meals are takeaway meals that don’t register. Try to sit away from bright lights that can crowd your senses and speed up the rate at which you eat, making you eat more.

Red signals danger as the colour stimulates the appetite more than other colors. Many restaurants add it to their decor, in everything from the flowers on the table to the squiggles on the plates.

Splurgexercise is a new term - before you allow yourself a splurge, do something healthy, like eating a piece of fruit, walking around the office for five minutes, or climbing a few flights of stairs.

TREADMILL TALK Stay determined to squeeze in at least one or two workouts a week, no matter how busy you get.

Small rounds help - if you don’t have time for your daily four-mile walk, do a few 10 or 15-minute spurts of exercise throughout the day to accumulate the recommended of 30 minutes a day. They can be just as effective at maintaining overall fitness as one continuous workout.

HOME RULE Food diary jottings will help you to track what you eat and stay committed to your goals.

Daily weigh-ins can guide your actions. Research has shown that women who step on the scale every day and then act accordingly, either increasing their exercise or being stricter about their eating, are 82 percent less likely to regain lost weight than those who don’t weigh in as often.

Eat breakfast as it prevents overeating later in the day.

Makeover magic is not just for the face. Try to do a healthy makeover of your favorite traditional holiday goodies so you can serve family and friends improved and healthful versions of festive fayre.

Zip up into a favourite dress, jeans or try a blouse you love – Too tight? Adjust your eating and exercise habits. Just right?

Keep up the good work.

Mints break the cycle of overeating. When you’ve had enough (and don’t want to eat more), pop a mint and the feeling of a fresh palate can curb additional noshing.

​Sindhi Sangat N-Day​ joy Led by Chairman Saif Channa, the Board Members and guests of the Sindhi Sangat Bahrain enjoyed a grand National Day family celebration. A cultural night was organised with famous Sindhi folk singer Ahmad Mughal in attendance​ 53 SALAAM BAHRAIN

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cuisine ASIAN HEALTH FAN’S

QUINOA-CAULIFLOWER FALAFEL Ingredients 1/3 cup uncooked quinoa (or 1 cup cooked) ½ large hevad of cauliflower, broken into florets 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained ½ cup chopped green onion ½ cup lightly packed fresh cilantro leaves, chopped ½ cup lightly packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped 2 large cloves garlic, pressed or minced 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin 1 teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes Freshly ground black pepper, to taste 1 ¼ cups old fashioned oats

Preparation 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8

To cook the quinoa: Rinse the quinoa in a fine mesh colander, then combine with 2/3 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to boil, then cover and reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Simmer for 15 minutes, then remove from heat and let the quinoa steam with the lid on for 5 minutes. Then drain off any excess water and set aside to cool.

To prepare the cauliflower: Transfer the cauliflower florets to the bowl of your food processor. Pulse until they resemble a couscous-like texture, about 15 pulses. Pour the mixture into a large mixing bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer. Keep the food processor bowl handy because you’ll use it again soon.

To the mixing bowl, add your cooked quinoa, chickpeas, green onion, cilantro, parsley, garlic, olive oil, cumin, salt, cinnamon and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine. Use a potato masher or the paddle attachment of your mixer to mix really well. You need to mash up those chickpeas so the burgers hold together.

Grind the oats: Use a food processor or blender to grind the oats until the flakes are broken up, but not as fine as flour.

Mix in the oats: Sprinkle the ground oats over the mixture and mix well with a big spoon until the mixture holds together when you shape a portion into a patty. If the mixture is still too dry to shape into patties, mash it until it does. If you have time, cover and refrigerate the mixture for best results (the patties will hold together better during cooking if they are chilled first).

Shape the burgers: Use a measuring cup to measure out ½ cup of the mixture. Gently shape it into a patty about 3½ inches in diameter. Use your hands to gently flatten the burgers and smooth out any jagged edges. Repeat the process for each patty; you should end up with seven.

Pan fry the burgers: Heat 11/2 tablespoons oil in a large cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium heat. When it's hot, place several burgers in the pan, leaving enough room to flip them. Cover and cook until the patties are golden brown on the underside, about 3 to 4 minutes, then flip, add a splash more oil, cover again and repeat with the other side. Add at least 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet for each pan of burgers you fry.

Transfer cooked burgers to a plate to cool. Serve topped with a dollop of Tahina.

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FESTIVE GOA

Goan Fish Curry Goa repr esents the ‘newer’ strand of Christianity, brought by the Portuguese colonial rulers. The rich coastal cuisine is a delicious amalgam of Indian spices and European taste. For this authentic Goan fish curry, the tender fish is marinated in lemon and cooked in a rich, masaledaar gravy.

Ingredients

For the masala

1 lemon, quartered 2 medium sized fish, (any with firm white flesh, boneless and cut either into pieces or long slices) A pinch of salt

1/2 tsp cumin seeds 1/2 tsp turmeric powder 4 flakes garlic 8 Kashmiri red chillies 1 Tbsp coriander seeds 1 coconut, grated 1 1/2 inch lump tamarind, soaked in water 1/2 cup water 1 onion, finely sliced 2 green chillies, sliced

Preparation 1 2 3 4 5 6

Marinate the fish in salt and lime (half a lime) juice for 10 minutes.

In the meanwhile, grind all the masalas together. Add a little bit of water to adjust the consistency.

Add the onions and green chillies to the masala. Add this mix to a pan and place it over the flame.

Keep the masala over the flame for about 10 minutes and keep stirring to prevent it from burning.

Once done, add the marinated fish to this masala. Add some water to adjust the consistency of the curry.

Let it cook till the gravy comes to a boil. (In case you use fish with bone, stir down the mixture after it boils and continue cooking. Let the gravy cook to a boil at least 3 times.)

7 Serve hot. It tastes best with unpolished Goan rice.

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cuisine MANGALOREAN

BROWN RICE LADDOO Rice Laddoos are part of traditional Mangalorean Kuswar (Christmas goodies). They are made with brown parboiled rice, jaggery, fresh coconut, cardamom and sesame seeds. These laddoos are gluten free, vegan & contain no refined sugar. The pinch of salt should not be underestimated as it brings out all the lovely flavours.

Ingredients 250 gms boiled rice preferably brown unpolished rice as it lends a nice colour 150 gms jaggery adjust to taste 125 gms 1-1/4 cups, loosely packed 2-3 pods of cardamom 1 tbsp sesame seeds pinch of salt

Preparation 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Wash the rice and dry it well.

Roast it on a hot tawa on a slow flame till the grains fluff up a bit - this takes about 10mins Powder the rice along with the cardamom to an almost fine texture - like very fine sand (leave it slightly grainy - this avoids the laddu flour from turning into a paste when you eat it & stick to the roof of your mouth which is not a pleasant experience). Reserve 1 tbsp of flour for rolling the laddus Pound the jaggery to remove lumps or use the dry jar of mixer grinder - you can grind the jaggery & coconut together to achieve a coarse consistency - do not grind it to a paste, just swirl the two for about 3-4 seconds Mix the jaggery & coconut mixture with the rice powder. Add the sesame seeds & pinch of salt. Mix everything well so all the flavours get incorporated.

Take a portion of mixture in your palm and compress in your fist to make a tight ball. The tighter the ball the better you will be able to shape it into a round laddu. If you don't make it tight enough, when you roll it into a laddu the mixture will crumble.

Roll each laddu in the reserved flour & serve.

Store laddus in an airtight container & eat them within 3-4 days (if stored outside). They will last longer if you refrigerate them

BAHRAINI GOURMET

Liver & Potato Stir-up This is a tribute to classic Bahraini cuisine and makes a lovely local addition to your Christmas table. You can find more such culinary gems in the amazing food site Onionin.com Ingredients 300 gms lamb liver chopped 1 red onion chopped 3 cloves garlic crushed 1 dried black lime (loomi, found in Middle Eastern or Iranian shops) Khaleeji mixed spices (ibzar) Black pepper to taste

1 potato Sunflower oil Salt to taste

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Preparation 1 Peel and dice the potato into small pieces and parboil until slightly soft.

2 Fry the onions and garlic in oil until soft.

3 Add spice mix, black pepper, ground lime. Let the spices infuse with the onions.

4 Add the potatoes, liver and salt and mix on a high heat.

5 Then lower heat and cover for a minute. Be careful not to overcook the liver as it will become hard.

6 Serve with green salad, spring onions and pita bread.

DECEMBER 2017

FUSION CUISINE

Tamarindinfused Roasted Vegetables Ingredients 3 sweet potato, peeled, cut into chunks 2 red capsicums 2 yellow capsicums 3 red onions, cut into wedges 1 large eggplant , cut into chunks 1 chow-chow, skin scraped, seeded and cut into thick chunks

Tamarind paste 1/2 cup (125ml) tamarind concentrate 1 lemongrass stem (white part only), finely chopped 3 garlic cloves, roughly chopped 2 tsp ginger-chilli paste (2 chillies and 2-inch ginger) 1 cup coriander leaves 1/4 cup mint leaves, plus extra to garnish 2 tablespoons honey

Preparation 1 Preheat the oven to 190°C. For the tamarind paste, place all the ingredients in a food processor with 1/4 cup (60ml) boiling water. Blend to a thin paste, then set aside.

2 Toss the vegetables in the oil, spread over a large baking tray (you may need to use 2 trays depending on the size of your oven), then roast for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and toss with the tamarind paste, then roast for a further 20-25 minutes until tender. Serve hot or at room temperature, garnished with the extra mint leaves.

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salaam society

Chudail Night​​ takeover Things got scary and fun at the Al Safir Hotel's Encanto Lounge for Halloween when n early 13 0 Chudails (witches) descen ded to c e lebrate the night in their horror-f i lled best. With slashed cheeks , blood o n their bodice and 'nailed' foreheads, these cheery chudails danced the night away and even won some prizes when doing so!​

Some figure work for CAs Members, families and friends of the Bahrain Chapter of chartered accountants were working on a different kind of figure last month when CA Shobha Ravishankar, a motivational fitness trainer pulled wisdom from her personal experience to take them around Arad Bay on a run. Themed 'Make Running A Habit”, the group was taken through gentle warm-up and taught how to pace themselves for a run without hurting themselves.

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salaam society

Bahrain grooves with Shakti Mohan Bollywood Steps, the Dance and Fitness Studio hosted famous choreographer Shakti Mohan in the Kingdom. The TV celeb took a workshop at the studio and judged dancers in a well-attended amateur show. She even gave away top prizes of a 10-day course in her Mumbai dance studio to talented participants Trishala Athilat, Akshaya and Shiva. But she certainly stole hearts when she sashayed down the aisle with a flash mob of Lulu Hypermarket staff and posed tirelessly with her fans. What an amazing diva!

P.S. Trishala being a Bollywood Steps trainer, you can perfect your moves Shakti Mohan style still!

UAE Exchange - SADAD launch self-service remittances Leading global money transfer, foreign exchange and payment solutions brand, UAE Exchange announced its partnership with the payment gateway firm SADAD in Bahrain. The tie-up will provide customers with 24/7 international and domestic money transfer service through self-service kiosks countrywide.

“We are proud to take our partnership with SADAD to the next level. The selfservice kiosks are not only an innovative, convenient and incredibly secure way for customers to transfer money home but also, add to the credentials of UAE Exchange brand as a fintech innovator,” said Promoth Manghat, Chief Executive Officer, UAE Exchange Group.

“SADAD is pleased to partner with UAE Exchange to explore new ways for customers to conveniently access financial transactions. The launch of the self-service kiosks further strengthens our partnership, as we seek to continuously deliver customer

satisfaction. We look forward to the collaboration and enhance our customer service in the Kingdom of Bahrain,” said Shaikh Ali Abdulla Hamad Isa Al Khalifa, Chairman, SADAD. Customers using the self-service kiosks for money transfer will be required to first register themselves and their beneficiaries with UAE Exchange as part of the brand’s Know Your Customer (KYC) policies.

“The selfservice kiosks are strategically placed across the Kingdom of Bahrain in locations that e n a b l e accessibility and c u s t o m e r convenience.

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ease of use coupled with maximum security, and allow pre-registered customers to send money any time, with just a few simple taps on the kiosks’ touch-screens. This initiative is yet another way that UAE Exchange is bringing value to its customers in the Kingdom,” said Vineesh Kumar, Executive Director & General Manager, UAE Exchange in Bahrain.

KCA honours Rajasekharan Pillai Pravasi Bharatiya Samman winner, Rajasekharan Pillai was felicitated by the Kerala Catholic Association for his achievements and contributions to the community. The grand festival included cultural programs and Pillai was honored by special guest for the evening actor Suresh Gopi

Jairam Ramesh reception at BKS Former Minister of the Environment, Jairam Ramesh, visited the Kingdom as a guest of Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam. His visit was also a platform for D C Books to launch his book Indira Gandhi: A Life in Nature. The book well received by the Bahrain book lovers.

A new aspect of the former Prime Minister who's centenary was celebrated this year was revealed to all.

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salaam society

The Daligramme perfume collection launch Al Hawaj and Dali Haute Perfumerie Paris launch the latest fragrance from Salvador Dali, the Daligramme Collection at the Jewelry Arabia 2017 event. Jean Pierre Grivory, President and Director-General of Cofinluxe S.A which holds the world-renowned perfume brand of the master surrealist artist Salvador Dali, graced the event.

The Daligramme Collection is a set of fragrances that were created by four perfumers as an olfactory interpretation of the passionate love between Salvador Dali and his wife, Gala. The bottle designs were extracted from Dali’s “Daligrams” which is said to be the lovers’ secret alphabet code which he created and dedicated to Gala. The Daligrams are composed of eight enigmatic and stylized characters the great artist made from their initials.

The five fragrances were: Ma Muse, Ma Flamme, Ma Vie, Ma Reine, and Ma Force.

Present at the press conference were Al Hawaj General Manager Abdul Wahab Al Hawaj, Director Hussain Al Hawaj, M Jean Pierre Grivory, E-Business Development Manager Mohammed Jawad Al Hawaj, Division Manager and other top Al Hawaj officials, local celebrities, a fashion model, and members of the media.

Apollo Lounge is fun new spot Shantaram and Asha Shetty have launched a new nightspot Apollo Lounge at Al Safir in Juffair. The superb dance space and great sounds promise a nightspot worth many visits.

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Prakash, Jalaja & Devi bid farewell Friends and family said a fond farewell to the longtime residents Prakash and Jalaja Nair and their daughter Devi who are returning to India after more than three decades stay in Bahrain. Here's wishing the lovely Devi a great success in her chosen career in the cine world in the Malayalam films.

Winning young boffins at NMS DPS Science Department of New Millennium School- DPS organized an Inter School Science Quiz Competition, QUARKS 2017, for all the CBSE schools in Bahrain to test their knowledge and encourage the interest of students in science facts and applications of scientific principle. Noah Mikhail Andrade, Shlok Mishra and A. Kishore Kumar of NMS -DPS team bagged the first position.

While the second position went to Karthika Suresh, Sai Arvind Arun and Nithin Jayadeep The Indian School team.

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new in town

The Avenues opens in Bahrain The sprawling new mall-about-town, The Avenues Bahrain, opened of its doors to visitors in November and has already become the must-visit destination in the Kingdom.

The BD55 million first phase signals an ambitious retail project which is Bahrain’s first commercial and entertainment mall at a strategic location on the sea front, extending 1.5 kms. The project includes 130 stores of which 50% are allocated for restaurants and cafes which will overlook Bahrain Bay and there are stunning views to be enjoyed. The mall is designed to give visitors an outdoor feeling while remaining indoors, protected from the heat by a ceiling that allows sunlight in. It also includes a large family entertainment area, 12 cinemas

theatre, also includes outdoor jogging track, kids play areas, external gym equipment and parking spaces for around 1500 vehicle.

Alshaya Trading Co. hosted the media for a grand tour of the mall and there was plenty of sampling of some fabulous artisanal food brands and trying on of powerhouse cosmetics and body care brands such as Bath & Body Works, NYX and Clinique. Another seven new brands are set to open in the coming weeks and months.

Right now, Bahrain is enamoured of amazing The Cheesecake Factory and the serpentine queues in front of it keep growing by the day!

The Starbucks in The Avenues Mall is Bahrain’s first Starbucks Reserve, which

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features an open space concept that allows customers to enjoy handpicked coffee blends and the tempting aromas of some of the world’s finest coffees, accompanied by mouth-watering pastries and food offerings.

The Avenues – Bahrain includes the first Hilton Bahrain Bay Hotel & Residences with 210 rooms. Residences will have direct access to the mall. It is expected that the hotel will be completed and ready to welcome its first guests in early 2020.

Majid Al Futtaim has opened its first standalone VOX Cinemas location at The Avenues – Bahrain.

Spanning 4,877 square meters, the new ten-screen cinema is positioned to deliver unmatched entertainment levels to movie fans across the country. Bringing two of VOX Cinemas’ signature concepts to Bahrain audiences for the very first time, customers will now be able to watch their favourite blockbusters in the premium THEATRE by Rhodes and MAX experiences.

The first of its kind in Bahrain, THEATRE

by Rhodes brings unrivalled indulgence to the new VOX Cinemas venue by delivering a perfect combination of the best of film and food. With an exclusive menu created by Michelin-starred chef Gary Rhodes, THEATRE by Rhodes sets a new standard for “dinner and a movie”. The concept’s gourmet in-cinema dining allows movie enthusiasts to revel in unsurpassed VIP treatment, lavish lounge areas, dedicated in-theatre waiter service and an outstanding menu with made-to-order fine food.

Dubbed as VOX Cinemas’ mega-screen experience, the MAX concept provides audiences with extraordinary sensory entertainment thanks to state-of-the-art technology that includes Dolby Atmos surround sound and dual projector systems that deliver ultra-realistic, 100% digital imagery. Spacious MAX seating options also provide guests with an extra layer of comfort when watching the biggest blockbusters.

salaam society

AWA's glamorous Diwali do The American Women’s Association celebrated 'Holly Bolly Diwali' at ART Rotana Amwaj on 22nd October! A grand fusion of East and West, the festive event was organized by their Photography Group Shutterflies where a total of nearly 90 ladies, of more nationalities than we can count on our fingers, attended the event. The gorgeous Indian attires transformed the scene into a riot of colors! A very special fusion dance, the fun-filled Dandia dance and the raffle draws were the highlights of the event! Not to forget, the traditional Indian cuisine that was served in a very unique way was absolutely delectable!

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salaam society

ILA frames the Sneha spirit An indomitable spirit and love for life was what everybody saw in the lovely art created by the children of Sneha, a recreation centre for children with special needs that the Indian Ladies Association runs. The creations of the Assisted Art project were showcased at Lulu Hypermarket in Galleria Mall and inaugurated by Sneha's generous supporter Lynn Al Wazzan. “We are so proud of our children - they battle tremendous odds with such grace and courage,� said ILA Vice-President, Shamima Noorani.

All's 'Fair' at the BSB Bristish School of Bahrain celebrated International Family Fair with 18 stalls representing various countries and their cultures from around the world. The fair held various entertainments, cultural activities and raffles draws, and saw a footfall of over 4000. The stall representing India earned the top revenue for the third time.

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motoring news

Zayani Motors -One name for many brands Zayani Motors is one of Bahrain’s best known automobile companies but not many people know that so many brands are managed by the company. Established in 1994 as a subsidiary of Al Zayani Investments, the company began as a dealer for Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. The company has since expanded to become a preeminent automobile distributer in the Kingdom, currently Bahrain’s exclusive authorised distributor of Mitsubishi, Peugeot, MG, FUSO trucks and others.

Authorized Agencies

In its two decades of operation, Zayani Motors has amassed distinction in the form of sales achievements and recognition awards. Their reliability is attested to by the success of countless delivery deals and their vision is uncompromising, following the path laid down by the management over twenty years ago.

“Zayani Motors is dedicated to the provision exemplary products and services. We aspire to meet the demands of the local market as well as the needs of valued clients,” said

General Manager Mohammed Zaki, “The two up-to-date service centres offer efficient and cost-effective servicing and maintenance. We deal in a wide range of automobiles, from the latest cars, to the most advanced vehicles vital and to the sectors of construction as well as industry.”

With skilled staff, advanced facilities and excellent services, they push for progress, reaching to a wider base of clients and improving smoothness of operation.

youngistan

Children’s art raises ICRF funds with Spectra The ninth Faber-Castell Spectra annual art carnival saw over 1,300 students from 22 schools taking part this year. Organised by the Indian Community Relief Fund (ICRF), the winning entries are transformed into beautiful calendars which sponsors usually distribute as corporate goodwill gifts. Net proceeds from the competition are used to set up a Family Welfare Fund to offer support for the families of deceased Indian labourers drawing wages below BD100 per month.

The winners were awarded prizes at a Grand Finale by outgoing First Secretary of the Indian Embassy, Meera Sisodia who also released the wall calendars and desktop calendars.

Winners in Group 2 (8 to 11 years):

Winners in Group 1 (5 to 8 years):

1st Place : MADHAV NAIR – The Indian School Bahrain 1st Place: DEVNA PRAVEEN - The New Horizon School, 2nd Place : ALBIN THOMAS - The Indian School Bahrain 2nd Place: DURGA SUMESH - The Indian School Bahrain 3rd Place: ASHLEY THERESA WALES - The Indian School Bahrain. 3rd Place : ISHIKA PRADEEP - The Indian School Bahrain.

Winners in Group 3 (11 to 13 years):

Winners in Group 4 (14 to 18 years):

1st Place : NANDHANA SANTHOSH - The Indian School Bahrain, 2nd Place: ANGELLEI O. PADUA - The Philippines School 3rd Place : VEENA KIZHAKKETHIL - The Indian School Bahrain.

1st Place : DEVIKA BABU - The New Indian School 2nd Place: AMISHA DEVAN - The Indian School 3rd Place : RITHUKUL NATH - The Indian School Bahrain.

The Title Sponsor of the event was Faber Castell, who has been supporting this event from its inception in 2009. The Asian School and the Indian School provided the venue for the events. Main sponsors of the event were Bahrain Kuwait Insurance Company, Delta Construction, Bahrain Chapter of ICAI (BCICAI), ICICI Bank, Lulu Hypermarket, Danube, State Bank of India, Life Insurance Corporation (LIC), Xerox, American Women’s Association, Malabar Gold, MSCEB, Intercol, BMMI, Jawad Business Group, Palace Electronics, Waffa Contracting WLL, Indian Institute of Performing Arts (IIPA), Chinmaya Society, Aster Medicals, Mohamed Ahmadi Company, Air India, Al Sarraj Jewellers, P Haridas & Sons, Global Institute among others.

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salaam society

Lions raise poetic tribute to community The mellifluous sounds of Urdu poetry filled the Cultural Hall as famous and talented poets from India, Pakistan, GCC and Bahrain read out their works at the 2nd International Mushaira and Kavi Sammelan. The only poetry event in aid of charity, this is the key fundraiser of the Lions Club of Riffa (LCOR). Key convenor was Ln. Khursheed Alig. It was held under the patronage of Health Minister Faeqa Sayeed Al Saleh and the chief guest was Anisa Saad Al Howaihi, Director of Communication, Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Bahrain. The event was attended by more than 500 poetry lovers “Such poetic symposiums highlight the richness of our traditions and cultural heritage and are also very important for our modern society,” said Anisa Saad, “The Lions Club is at the forefront of charity work which included annual food donations, support to the Productive Families Program, Eid visits to the elderly, Annual Essay and Painting Competitions for youth, and Green-a-thons in schools, tree planting, beach cleaning and the financial aid provided to the Oncology Department at Salmaniya Hospital.”

During the event LCOR also donated an amount of BD2500 to the Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Bahrain for the

presenting memento to Chief Guest

Oncology Department of Salmaniya Hospital Bahrain.

The main sponsors of the event were Ebrahim K. Kanoo, Bahrain Indian School, Delmon Readymix, Crown Electromechanical, AlBaker Chakki Aatta,

Shakeel Trading, YK Almoayyed, Ford Motors, Al Kindi Hospital, Trafco, AlSaqafa, Euroturbine BV, Elcon-Megarad, Donaldson and Two Sea Electromechanical. The media partners were Gulf Daily News, Daily Tribune and Salaam Bahrain.

Poets on stage

Chief Guest with Lion Members and families

Donation of BD2500 for Salmaniya Oncology ward 69 SALAAM BAHRAIN

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Release of souvenir

youngistan

ISB celebrates Bahrain National Day The Indian School Bahrain (ISB) celebrated Bahrain National Day and International Day of Arabic Language at the Isa Town Campus with a grand show put up by the Arabic Department of the school. The National Flag was hoisted by ISB Chairman Prince S Natarajan in the presence of EC Member Jayafar Maidani, Principal VR Palaniswamy, staff and students of the school.

Prince HOD Rukaiya A Rahim welcomed the gathering and presented Arabic departmental report.

Outstanding students were honoured by the subject teachers during the programme. Students in traditional Bahrain attire filled in the auditorium waving Bahrain flags.

....and a spectacular kids formation Last year, The Indian School Bahrain's Riffa junior school stunned the Kingdom by getting students to create a “human” flag of Bahrain​. This year, 4325 children created the pictorial depiction of their love for Bahrain by standing together to create an “I Love (heart) Bahrain” sign. Decked in the white and red of the Bahrain colours, the students also waved similar-coloured props.

The flag-hoisting ceremony was ​spearheaded by Saji Antony Hon. Member (I.T.) and Jayafar Maidani Hon. Member ( Sports), assisted by Principal, Sudhir Krishnan, Vice- Principal, Pamela Xavier, Head Teachers and Coordinators. Priya Laji Staff Representative to the Excom also attended the function. The grandparents of the school’s Bahraini students were the special invitees to the show who commended the school’s effort to imbibe the spirit of the nation among all students.

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accolade

Bahrain crochet queens set for Guinness attempt Now in its peak with over 1800 members globally, the Miss India Crochet Queen was started by Chennai based Subashri Natarajan in dreams of one day achieving a Guinness World Records. This December 17, the MICQ will try to break the record created by UK in 2014 by organising “Largest Display of Crochet Sculptures� in Chennai. Through this crochet project Subashri Natrajan is bringing together the ladies from not just Bahrain and India but other countries like USA, UAE, Qatar, Singapore, Oman, Kuwait, Europe and UK. The group representing Bahrain held exhibitions at the Indian Embassy as well as Ramli Mall where hundreds of crochet sculptures were displayed to show an aerial view of the Kingdom with the message like save water, follow traffic rules, protect wild life, grow trees etc. The dispay also included the Bahrain World Trade Center, Bahrain Financial harbour, Almoayyed Tower, BCCI /LMRA building, Causeway Tower, Grand Mosque, Tree of Life, Alba, Bab Al Bahrain, Arad Fort etc., along with camel, men and women in traditional Arabic clothes, palm trees, boats, sea animals, vehicles, etc.

BBK celebrates Festival of Light

The NRI Services division of BBK marked Diwali with a grand party for valued customers. A great time was had by all.

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celeb chakker

Resul calls for more sound style Oscar winner Resul Pookutty is busy promoting his debut as an actor in the film Oru Kadhai Sollatuma (The Sound Story) but insists that the real hero of the movie is sound – the sounds of the Thrissur Pooram!

“Producer Rajeev Panakal heard my TV interview in which I spoke of my dream to record the sounds of the Pooram, one of the biggest sound events in the world. The magnitude is massive — with 100 elephants, 300 musicians, a million people over 70 acres. He called me up from the US and said he would like to facilitate that dream of mine.” Pookutty said, “While researching for the project, I visited a place where elephants are bred, and discovered one that was half blind. So I wondered how a visually-challenged person could experience the Pooram. That’s the fictional story around which the film is woven. It’s not a documentary, and that’s how I became an accidental actor.”

Resul says Indian cinema does not respect the effort and artistry of the cinematic soundscape.

“A superstar’s valet gets paid three times the movie’s sound budget!” he exclaims.

“When I was doing Ra.One, I had to go to the sets to tell Shah Rukh that a pandal that was set up for him to walk from his caravan to the studio had cost more than the film’s sound design budget. Sound is usually the last thing on the producer’s mind. So the makers resort to sound libraries. They just don’t have the money to go out and get their own sounds.”

He admits his Oscar win changed many people’s attitude. “Film sound wouldn’t have been understood the way it is now being, without the win. It’s a pivotal moment.” Still, he says the most misunderstood aspect of a movie’s sound design is silence.

“Our mainstream cinema is afraid of silence, but they don’t realise that the more we pump up the sounds, the more the people get irritated. These are things a director resorts to when the story and craft are weak. The work of a sound designer is not to fill the gaps. We need more films like 2.0, where sound design is planned as part of the storytelling.”

Resul collects sound the way bibliophiles collect books. But after building a wonderful sound library in 1997, he stopped lending his sounds because his “Essential Indian Sound Effects” were popping up in several radio and TV commercials, and most of the Hindi films and even foreign films with an Indian setting.

“I thought it made people lazy, so I stopped the library. But I still have a huge collection of Indian sounds in my studio… probably the largest.”

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Quote of the Month ‘Lose the part but don't get on the couch. We need to stop slut-shaming. We are all guilty of being in the know and remaining silent. And that is complicity.’

Swara Bhaskar

The Harvey Weinstein scandal in Hollywood has unleashed a #MeToo flood of naming and shaming on social media and given voice to people facing sexual harassment.

Actress Swara Bhaskar shared a scary incident saying, “When I was still fairly new and on a remote outdoor location shoot, the director…stalked me during the day and called me through the night. I was asked to go to his hotel room on the pretext of discussing the scene and would find him drinking.

One night, he arrived in my room, drunk, and asked to be hugged. It was scary! I was young and alone. I would switch off the lights after pack-up and remove my make up in the dark so he would think I was asleep and stop calling me. Later, I told the producer and asked to be escorted at all times. ” Asked how women should react to being sexually propositioned in return for a role, the feisty actress was clear: “Lose the part but don't get on the couch. It's not a feminist choice and it's certainly not a liberating choice. It's like giving a bribe and that is succumbing to a wrong.

Inside the Virushka wedding

Indian tennis star Sania Mirza on Saturday described just married Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma as an “amazing” couple but also asked them to learn to deal with constant media scrutiny. “High profile marriages are obviously a little bit complicated in terms of dealing with so much of outside stuff, it's not just internal,” Sania said. “They obviously realised how the media hype would be here so they went to Italy. At some point, they have to face it,” added Sania who herself forms a high-profile couple with Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik.

“The fact is, it's really amazing – Virat and Anushka. It's known that they've been together for a long time and what better it is when two people who love each other get married,” she said.

The star couple’s wedding designer Devika Narain shared that the couple really wanted the affair to be a private one and thus the biggest challenge was to keep all the preparations secret.

“It was so tough. I remember when we were planning the wedding and we knew who was getting married, we wouldn’t even take their names.

When I met them for the first time, I couldn’t even say Anushka to her face because I kept saying bride. She asked me ‘what is wrong with you’ and I said we have conditioned ourselves to not take your names because we have to keep it a secret.”

About Anushka’s participation in the preperations, Devika said, “Anushka is a typical bride and I did not expect that. She had reference photos, she was incredibly invested in every single decision and detail. All of this was her idea and we were all just people who mapped it out for her.

The wedding planner also revealed that an anthology of Rumi’s poems were given as return gifts to the guests. “Anushka and Virat are extremely spiritual people, I don’t know how many people know this about them. She wanted everything to be about growth and prosperity, so the whole wedding was in fact inspired by the idea of an overgrown garden. They are big fans of Rumi and his poetry, so an anthology of his poems was given as a take back present for all the guests,” 73 SALAAM BAHRAIN

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celeb chakker

Immortal movie set now open for fans Baahubali, one the most successful Indian films, had erected a set 100 acre set designed by National Award winning artist Sabu Cyril. After the completion of the movie, you might have wondered what happened to the grand sets of Mahishmathi Kingdom.

Ramoji Film City, which was where the film was shot, has opened the grand movie set to tourists. According to the official website, visitors can now experience the beauty of Mahishmathi Kingdom first hand. Tickets are priced at Rs 1250 and Rs 2349 for entry to the sets. This includes entry to some of the other attractions that are part of the 1000 acre film studio.

According to a report in Mid-Day, a studio official said that Sabu Cyril’s assistants had apparently created 1500 sketches to help create this set. The same official was quoted as saying, “A cumulative of over Rs. 60 crore was spent on creating the sets of the film over two parts. Besides the set, some

props too have been retained for visitors to see. We have many film students, cinema lovers and even general public visiting us. At the moment, it’s the spot that is attracting maximum tourists for us.

Producer Shobu Yarlagadda also explained, “The officials at Ramoji approached us with the idea and we were happy to oblige. It took us months to create the set and we were anyway planning to retain the set for later use.

What better than to feel that we’ve created something for posterity.”

Shobu also confirmed that they are not accepting any monetary share. He said, “We work with Ramoji on a regular basis. There need not be a monetary arrangement between us.

Our relationship goes beyond that.”

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Sallu’s Tiger upsets Kerala The Salman-Katrina spy romance Ek Tha Tiger was drenched in romance and was a great hit.

The sequel Tiger Zinda Hai brings the two espionage experts out of their secret retreat in Cuba to join a rescue mission to save a group of Kerala nurses held captive by the ISIS. Its yet another case of Salman scoring a hit based on a South film – this time its Take Off and the makers are pretty upset since they had planned to shoot a Hindi version of the hit film

themselves. Leading airline company Jet Airways was expected to back the project financially and mark their debut into the showbiz industry.

Tiger Zinda Hai is slated to release on 22 December this year. The glamour-grunge look of the Hindi film is so different from the polished realism of Take Off..and so unoriginal!

Sunny in Tollywood Sunny Leone is branching out to do Southern cinema and will tackle a period history film in Telugu. Shooting for the film, to be directed by VC Vadividaiyan, will begin in January 2017. Meanwhile the actress, who is yet to prove her acting prowess, is busy training in sword fights, horse-riding and stunts.

The movie will have graphics by teams who worked on Baahubali and 2.0 and will be released in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Hindi.

Cooed Sunny, “I have a special love for South India. I have been waiting for this kind of script for years!”

Now, where have we heard those lines before?

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meera ravi

editor's view

What would be your most enduring image of 2017? It was, after all, a year when women called out abusers and set in motion a #MeToo wave that decapitated many powerful careers.

To me, one image that stands out is that of a young child sobbing bitterly at being bullied for having a big nose. You can argue that there are worse things to agonise over such as the emaciated polar bear video that starkly shows the environmental crisis in the Antartic; starvation and disease in Yemen; this dangerous trend of terrorist attacks from behind the wheel of a vehicle driven into unsuspecting crowds..but somehow, the immediacy of the bullied child’s pain tugs at the heartstrings.

We relate most to visuals that could be you or me, is it not? I think it is because it was already you or me that this video went viral. How strange that the internet and social media which represent freedom should also become the channel for vicious bullying and intolerance. We are trolled online for our ideas and views, we are laughed at for being ‘different’ and bullied for following a path less travelled.

As we grow older, we bottle up the fear and pain, unlike the little boy, and this changes the whole nature of discourse. We start hiding our real feelings and make decisions to please the bullies and this impacts our lives in so many tragic ways.

The received wisdom for dealing with bullies is to ignore and avoid them; to not rock the boat. But I believe that only strengthens their hand. Bullying is abusive and its like a fungus. We all know that the best way to deal with dirt is not by sweeping it under the carpet but by tackling it and throwing it out; fungus shrivels up in the bright sunlight and that is represented by confrontation not avoidance. That’s what the #MeToo campaign represented – the calling out of powerful men who abused their co-workers. Human nature being what it is, I am sure it will soon extend to women bullies too.

At the same time, we need to be sensible about our defiance. Let us not forget that bullies are dangerous – as dangerous as our complacency can be.

Our confrontation should be tempered with the precision of logic and truth and the support of people with similar ideals. Whilst logic and truth will arm us against name-calling and fakery, having the power of many supporters will shield us from real harm.

Every New Year, we all make resolutions to contribute to making this world a better place. Why not add a life-altering resolution for 2018 to confront bullies – in real life, on your online space, whether you are the victim or somebody else is? Every ray of reasoned defiance shrivels up a bully and empowers the world.

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HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE KHALIFA BIN SALMAN AL KHALIFA The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain

HIS MAJESTY KING HAMAD BIN ISA AL KHALIFA

HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE SALMAN BIN HAMAD AL KHALIFA

The King of the Kingdom of Bahrain

The Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander & First Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain

Greetings to the Leaders, the Government & the people of the Kingdom of Bahrain on the occasion of the 46th Bahrain National Day.

Indian Curriculum : CBSE From KG to Class 12

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British Curriculum: From KG to A level

Bahraini Curriculum: From Grade 1 to Grade 12

The Management & Staff of

MIDDLE EAST HOSPITAL & MEDICAL CENTERS, Congratulate & extend warmest Greetings to The Royal Family, Government & the people of Kingdom of Bahrain.

On the occasion of,

24 X 7 EMERGENCY

MIDDLE EAST HOSPITAL SEGAYA

MIDDLE EAST MEDICAL CENTER HIDD

MIDDLE EAST MEDICAL CENTER SALMABAD

17 36 22 23

17 36 22 33

17 46 48 48

17 21 60 56

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