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Community Survivors of early-stage breast cancer who exercise are more likely to experience higher rates of disease- free survival. P4 P16 Community Savitri Grier, a British award winning violinist, talks about her journey and love for the musical instrument. Dire straits COVER STORY Global warming today mirrors conditions leading to Earth’s largest extinction event: Study. P2-3 Friday, December 14, 2018 Rabia II 7, 1440 AH Doha today 200 - 260 CUISINE SHOWBIZ Delectable kofta curry is world’s local favourite. Page 6 Feel fortunate for everything I’ve gone through, says Katrina. Page 15 CONCERN: According to recent research from a global collaboration of scientists, the Antarctic ice sheet has tripled its rate of ice loss over the last 25 years.

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Page 1: Dire straits - Gulf Times

CommunitySurvivors of early-stage breast cancer

who exercise are more likely to experience higher rates of disease-free survival.

P4 P16 CommunitySavitri Grier, a British award winning

violinist, talks about her journey and love for the musical instrument.

Dire straitsCOVERSTORY

Global warming today mirrors conditions leading

to Earth’s largest extinction event: Study. P2-3

Friday, December 14, 2018Rabia II 7, 1440 AH

Doha today 200 - 260

CUISINE SHOWBIZ

Delectable kofta curry is

world’s local favourite.

Page 6

Feel fortunate for everything I’ve

gone through, says Katrina.

Page 15

CONCERN: According to recent research from a global collaboration of scientists, the Antarctic ice sheet has tripled its rate of ice loss over the last 25 years.

Page 2: Dire straits - Gulf Times

Friday, December 14, 20182 GULF TIMES

COMMUNITY COVER STORY

Community EditorKamran Rehmat

e-mail: [email protected]: 44466405

Fax: 44350474

Emergency 999Worldwide Emergency Number 112Kahramaa – Electricity and Water 991Local Directory 180International Calls Enquires 150Hamad International Airport 40106666Labor Department 44508111, 44406537Mowasalat Taxi 44588888Qatar Airways 44496000Hamad Medical Corporation 44392222, 44393333Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation 44845555, 44845464Primary Health Care Corporation 44593333 44593363 Qatar Assistive Technology Centre 44594050Qatar News Agency 44450205 44450333Q-Post – General Postal Corporation 44464444

Humanitarian Services Offi ce (Single window facility for the repatriation of bodies)Ministry of Interior 40253371, 40253372, 40253369Ministry of Health 40253370, 40253364Hamad Medical Corporation 40253368, 40253365Qatar Airways 40253374

USEFUL NUMBERS

Quote Unquote

PRAYER TIMEFajr 4.49amShorooq (sunrise) 6.11amZuhr (noon) 11.28amAsr (afternoon) 2.26pmMaghreb (sunset) 4.48pmIsha (night) 6.18pm

“Eagles come in all shapes and sizes,

but you will recognise them chiefl y by their attitudes.”

— E F Schumacher

The study tells us what’s at the end of the road if we let climate (change) keep going. The further we go, the more species we’re likely to lose. That’s frightening. The loss of species is irreversible

— Curtis Deutsch, associate professor of

oceanography

‘’

Race to extinction?By this century’s end, if emissions continue at their

current pace, humans will have warmed the ocean

about 20 percent as much as during the extinction

event, the researchers say. By Evan Bush

Page 3: Dire straits - Gulf Times

3Friday, December 14, 2018 GULF TIMES

COMMUNITYCOVER STORY

More than two-thirds of life on Earth died off some 252 million years ago, in the largest mass extinction event in Earth’s history.

Researchers have long suspected that volcanic eruptions triggered “the Great Dying,” as the end of the Permian geologic period is sometimes called, but exactly how so many creatures died has been something of a mystery.

Now scientists at the University of Washington and Stanford believe their models reveal how so many animals were killed, and they see frightening parallels in the path our planet is on today.

Models of the eff ects of volcanic greenhouse gas releases showed the Earth warming dramatically and oxygen disappearing from its oceans, leaving many marine animals unable to breathe, according to a study published last week in the peer-reviewed journal Science. By the time temperatures peaked, about 80 percent of the oceans’ oxygen, on average, had been depleted. Most marine animals went extinct.

The researchers tested the model’s results against fossil-record patterns from the time of the extinction and found they correlated closely. Although other factors, like ocean acidifi cation, might have contributed some to the Permian extinction, warming and oxygen loss account for the pattern of the dying, according to the research.

By this century’s end, if emissions continue at their current pace, humans will have warmed the ocean about 20 percent as much as during the extinction event, the researchers say. By 2300, that fi gure could be as high as 50 percent. “The ultimate driving change that led to the mass extinction is the same driving change that humans are doing today, which is injecting greenhouse gases into the atmosphere,” said Justin Penn, a UW doctoral student in oceanography and the study’s lead author.

Curtis Deutsch, a UW associate professor of oceanography and an author of the research, said if society continues to pump greenhouse gases at our current rate, “we have no reason to think it wouldn’t cause a similar type of extinction.”

The Earth 252 million years ago was a much diff erent place. The continents as we know them today were still mostly one landmass,

named Pangea, which looks like a chunky letter “C” on a map.

The climate, however, resembled Earth’s now, and researchers believe animals would have adapted many traits, like metabolism, that were similar to creatures today. Nearly every part of the Permian Ocean, before the extinction, was fi lled with sea life.

“Less than 1 percent of the Permian Ocean was a dead zone — quite similar to today’s ocean,” Deutsch said.

The series of volcanic events in Siberia that many scientists believe set off the mass extinction “makes super volcanoes look like the head of a pin,” said Seth Burgess, a geologist and volcanologist with the United States Geological Survey.

“We’re talking about enough lava erupted onto the surface and intruded into the crust to cover the area of the United States that if you looked at the US from above was maybe a kilometre deep in lava,” he said.

Burgess, who has researched the Siberian Traps volcanic events but did not work on the new Science paper, said scientists believe magma rising from the earth released some extinction-causing greenhouse gases.

In addition, sills of magma still inside the earth heated massive deposits of coal, peat

and carbonate minerals, among others, which vented even more carbon and methane into the atmosphere.

“That’s how you drive the Permian mass extinction, by intruding massive volumes of magma into a basin rich in carbon-bearing sediments,” he said.

The UW and Stanford research “takes the next step in fi guring out why things died at the end of the Permian,” Burgess said. “It couples what we think was happening in the climate with the fossil record, and it does it elegantly.”

It took a supercomputer more than six months to simulate all the changes the volcanic eruptions are suspected of causing during the Permian period. The computer models go into remarkable detail — simulating things like clouds, ocean currents and marine plant life — in describing what temperatures and conditions were like on Earth.

The researchers knew that surface temperatures rose about 10 degrees Celsius in the tropics because of previous scientifi c analysis of the fossilised teeth of eel-like creatures called conodonts.

To run their model, researchers pumped volcanic greenhouse gases into their simulation to match temperature conditions at the end of the Permian period.

As temperatures climbed toward the 10-degree mark, the model’s oceans became depleted of oxygen, a trend scientists are evaluating in today’s oceans, too.

To measure how rising temperatures and less oxygen would aff ect animal species of the Permian period, the researchers used 61 modern creatures — crustaceans, fi sh, shellfi sh, corals and sharks. The researchers believe these animals would have similar temperature and oxygen sensitivities to Permian species because the animals adapted to live in similar climates.

Warming’s eff ects were twofold on the creatures, the researchers found. In warmer waters, animals need more oxygen to perform bodily functions. But warm waters can’t contain as much dissolved oxygen, which means less was available to them.

In other words, as animals’ bodies demanded more oxygen, the ocean’s supply dropped.

In their model, the researchers were able to quantify the loss of habitat as species faced increasingly challenging ocean conditions. Surface-temperature rise and oxygen loss were more substantial in areas farther from the equator. Extinction rates also increased at higher latitudes.

Animals in the tropics were already accustomed to warmer temperatures and lower oxygen levels before the volcanic eruptions shifted the climate, according to the research. As the world warmed, they could move along with their habitat.

Marine creatures that favoured cold waters and high oxygen levels fared worse: They had nowhere to go.

“The high latitudes where it’s cold and oxygen is high — if you’re an organism that needs those kind of conditions to survive, those conditions completely disappear from Earth,” Deutsch said.

In modern oceans, warming and oxygen loss have also been more pronounced near the poles, researchers said, drawing another analogue between the shift in climate some 252 million years ago and what’s happening today.

“The study tells us what’s at the end of the road if we let climate (change) keep going. The further we go, the more species we’re likely to lose,” Deutsch said. “That’s frightening. The loss of species is irreversible.” —The Seattle Times/TNS

THE GREAT PERMIAN EXTINCTION: The event wiped out about 95% of all marine species.

It took a supercomputer more than six months to simulate all the changes the volcanic eruptions are suspected of causing during the Permian period. The computer models go into remarkable detail — simulating things like clouds, ocean currents and marine plant life — in describing what temperatures and conditions were like on Earth

Page 4: Dire straits - Gulf Times

Friday, December 14, 20184 GULF TIMES

COMMUNITY BODY & MIND

CONNECT: Obesity and low physical activity are associated with higher risks of developing breast cancer, as well as an increased risk of recurrence and reduced survival.

ESSENTIAL: This rapid detection of the source of a potential threat in a complex environment is essential.

Human brain responds to aggressive voices more quickly

Human brains notice a voice much faster when it is considered threatening or aggressive than when it is perceived as normal or happy in an auditory environment, according to a new study.

The study demonstrated that in a few hundred milliseconds, our brain becomes sensitive to the presence of angry voices.

Sight and hearing are the two senses that allow human beings to detect threatening situations.

“We are interested in how fast our attention responds to the diff erent intonations of the voices around us and how our brain deals with potentially threatening situations,” said Nicolas Burra, researcher from the University of Geneva in Switzerland.

The researchers presented 22 short human voice sounds (600 milliseconds) that were neutral utterances or expressed either anger or joy to a small group of

people while an electroencephalogram (EEG), diagnostic test, measured electrical activity in the brain down to the millisecond.

The fi ndings, published in the journal Social Cognitive and Aff ective Neuroscience, revealed that when the brain perceives an emotional target sound, N2ac activity is triggered after 200 milliseconds. However, when it perceives anger, the N2ac intensifi es and lasts longer, which is not the case for joy.

N2ac is a component related to the focusing of attention within an auditory scene.

Also, LPCpc activity, a cerebral marker of auditory attention, is also stronger for angry than for happy voices, fi ndings revealed.

This rapid detection of the source of a potential threat in a complex environment is essential as it is “critical in crisis situations and a great advantage for our survival”, noted Leonardo Ceravolo, researcher from the varsity. – IANS

Survivors of early-stage breast cancer who exercise and eat a healthy diet are more likely to lose weight and experience higher rates of disease-free

survival, a new study suggests.The research is based on an

examination of a lifestyle intervention that included exercise, diet, and at least one other component such as counselling, stress management, and discontinuing tobacco smoking.

The study showed that obesity and low physical activity are associated with higher risks of developing breast cancer, as well as an increased risk of recurrence and reduced survival.

“Lifestyle intervention might improve the prognosis of breast cancer patients if adherence is high,” said Wolfgang Janni from the University of Ulm in Germany.

“Many breast cancer survivors would like to contribute actively to improving their prognosis, and guiding them on lifestyle factors that can help them control weight is one possible way to positively impact patient outcomes,” said Janni.

For the study, the researchers enrolled 2,292 women among which all had a body mass index of 24 or higher.

Some women were randomly assigned to receive either telephone-based lifestyle intervention for two years while others received general recommendations for a healthy lifestyle alone.

Those who received the telephone calls were given advice on how to improve their diets, lower fat intake, increase physical activity, and achieve moderate weight loss and other tips that were geared to their specifi c needs.

Findings, presented at the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium in the US, demonstrated that patients in the lifestyle intervention arm had lost an average of one kg, while the patients in the control group had gained an average of 0.95kg.

Overall, 1,477 patients completed the lifestyle intervention. Those who completed the programme had a 35 per cent higher rate of disease-free survival than those who began the programme but did not complete it.

Among those who completed the programme, those who received the lifestyle intervention were about 50 per cent more likely to have disease-free survival than those who received the general recommendations. – IANS

How exercise can help breast cancer survivors

Dates, apricots better than starchy foods in lowering diabetes

Eating dried fruits such as dates, apricots, raisins and sultanas may not spike blood sugar compared to starchy foods such as white bread, suggests a study.

“People often worry about sources of sugar, and fruits are one of them. But most fruits, in particular tender fruit, have a low glycemic index and what we’re showing here is dried fruits also have a lower glycemic index, so they don’t raise your blood sugar very much,” said John Sievenpiper from Toronto’s St Michael’s Hospital.

“This study finds that people can use dried fruits as a low glycemic index food source to replace higher glycemic index foods. So, as a snack food, dried fruit is going to be preferred to a grain-based cracker or snack,” he added.

The study, published in the journal Nutrition and Diabetes, compared the glycemic response of four dried fruits , dates, apricots, raisins and sultanas, to white bread in a small group of healthy participants.

They found that the fruit had a lower glycemic index and could lower the glycemic response of white bread through displacement of half of the available carbohydrate.

The glycemic index is a way of explaining how different carbohydrates affect blood glucose and can help find out which foods are best for people with diabetes.

Foods high on the glycemic index, including white bread, most breakfast cereals, potatoes and rice, produce a spike in blood glucose and insulin.

On the other hand, the carbohydrates in low glycemic index foods, including pasta, beans, lentils and certain whole grains such as barley and oats are broken down more slowly, and cause more moderate increases in blood glucose and insulin.

The study also suggested that there’s potential for food manufacturers to develop low glycemic index foods with reformulations that include dried fruits.

However, longer and larger randomised trials will be needed to confirm whether dried fruits can contribute to sustainable improvements in glycemic control, and whether other dried fruits have a similar glycemic index, Sievenpiper stated. – IANS

CONTROL: Dried fruits can contribute to sustainable improvements in glycemic control.

Page 5: Dire straits - Gulf Times

5Friday, December 14, 2018 GULF TIMES

COMMUNITYBODY & MIND

INCREASING RISK: Women who had their first child after 35 may be at an increased risk of developing breast cancer than their peers who do not have children.

PREVENTION: A novel biodegradable spray gel embedded with immune-boosting drugs could help prevent the recurrence of cancer after surgery, a significant cause of treatment failure.

A novel biodegradable spray gel embedded with immune-boosting drugs could help prevent the recurrence

of cancer after surgery, a signifi cant cause of treatment failure, say researchers.

Despite improvements in surgical techniques over the past decade, cancer often comes back after surgery, often the fi rst line of treatment for people with tumours.

The spray gel, tested on mice, was not only successful

in inhibiting the recurrence of tumours from the area on the body, but also controlled the development of tumours in other parts of the body.

After receiving the treatment, 50 percent of the mice survived for at least 60 days without their tumours re-growing.

“This sprayable gel shows promise against one of the greatest obstacles in curing cancer. One of the trademarks of cancers is that it spreads,” said Zhen Gu, Professor from the

University of California in the US. “In fact, around 90 percent of people with cancerous tumours end up dying because of tumour recurrence or metastasis. Being able to develop something that helps lower this risk for this to occur and has low toxicity is especially gratifying,” Gu added.

However, scientists now envision the gel being applied to the tumour resection site by surgeons immediately after the tumour is removed during surgery.

The spray gel, described in the

journal Nature Nanotechnology, will have to go through further testing and approvals before it could be used on humans, Gu said.

For the study, the team tested the spray gel on mice that had advanced melanoma tumours surgically removed.

They encapsulated the gel with calcium carbonate nanoparticles pre-loaded with the anti-CD47 antibody, a protein that cancer cells release as a “do not eat me” signal.

By blocking CD47, the antibody enables the immune system to fi nd

and ultimately destroy the cancer cells.

“We also learned that the gel could activate T-cells in the immune system to get them to work together as another line of attack against lingering cancer cells,” said Chen Jiang, postdoctoral researcher from the varsity.

Once the solution is sprayed on the surgical site, it quickly forms a gel embedded with the nanoparticles, which gradually dissolve and release the anti-CD47 antibodies into the body. – IANS

New spray gel to help ward off cancer recurrence post-surgery

Late childbirth linked to high breast cancer risk

Women who had their fi rst child after 35 may be at an increased risk of developing breast cancer than their peers who do not have children, according to a study contrary to conventional wisdom that childbirth is protective against breast cancer.

Besides late childbirth, women who had a family history of breast cancer or who had a greater number of births also had an increased risk for breast cancer after childbirth. The pattern looked the same whether or not women breastfed.

While the risk was higher for women who were older at fi rst birth, there was no increased risk of breast cancer after a recent birth for women who had their fi rst child before 25, said researchers

from the University of North Carolina (UNC) in the US.

“This is evidence of the fact that just as breast cancer risk factors for young women can diff er from risk factors in older women, there are diff erent types of breast cancer, and the risk factors for developing one type versus another can diff er,” said Hazel B. Nichols, Professor at the UNC.

Although childbirth is still protective against breast cancer, researchers say it can take more than two decades for benefi ts to emerge.

Breast cancer is more common in older women, with the median age of 62 at diagnosis. But, the study, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, identifi ed elevated breast cancer risk after childbirth in women younger than 55.

In women 55 years and younger,

breast cancer risk peaked about fi ve years after they gave birth, with risk for mothers 80 per cent higher compared with women who did not gave birth.

Twenty-three years after giving birth, women saw their risk level off , and pregnancy started to become protective.

For their analysis, the team pooled data from 15 prospective studies from around the globe that included 889,944 women. In addition to looking at breast cancer risk after childbirth, they also evaluated the impact of other factors such as breastfeeding and a family history of breast cancer.

The fi ndings could be used to develop better breast cancer risk prediction models to help inform screening decisions and prevention strategies, Nichols said. – IANS

Page 6: Dire straits - Gulf Times

Friday, December 14, 20186 GULF TIMES

COMMUNITY CUISINE

Chef Tarun Kapoor, Culinary Mastermind,

USA. He may be contacted at [email protected]

Kofta curry is a delectable dish, which can be enjoyed all year round, but I prefer to savour these especially

enjoyed during winters, being comfort food. It is a sophisticated dish which involves ground meat with fl avourings and herbs to make it tender and juicy. The kofta is world’s local favourite varying in taste and texture. You’ll fi nd a local version of kofta in almost every corner of the world. The word ‘kofta’ is derived from the classical verb ‘Koftan’ which means “to beat” or to mince. Hence, the grounded meat is mixed with a range of spices. Kofta can be made with a variety of meats and are not necessarily meat. Vegetarians have their own variety made with vegetables or cheese. Making a

kofta can be divided into a two-step process. The fi rst one is to make the ground mixture to make a kofta and then is the accompanying sauce for the kofta to make it a kofta curry. Prepared kofta are simmered in a rich spicy sauce to make them more tender and juicy and make them wholesome. Special occasion koftas are occasionally stuff ed to make them more exotic. Nargisi kofta is an example which comprises of ground meat with a boiled egg centre served in a curry sauce. Nargisi kofta is named after the Nargis fl ower and are served cut into half revealing the yellow of hard boiled eggs and has a marked resemblance to the elegant fl ower. Some foodies even relate the British scotch eggs with Nargisi kofta.

Making a kofta is simple. The meat is grounded with garam

masala and spices and shaped into a golf-ball-sized meatball and then either simmered in a fl avoured broth, deep fried or baked to perfection.

Vegetarians prepare the koftas to match the meat eaters by pressing into lauki (bottle gourd), kacha kela (raw banana), paneer (cottage cheese), aloo palak (potato spinach). An exotic vegetarian kofta is the aloo bokhara kofta (plum kofta) which encases a pitted dried plum. Some chefs also replace the dried fruit with almonds or pistachio as well.

Exotic Mughlai recipes are rich in a variety of kofta recipes which are extra tender and more exotic versions of the regular koftas which were enjoyed in the royal palaces in the past. One such recipe is the Chui-Mui ke Kofte from Awadh,

which tend to crumble in your mouth when you try to scoop out a bite sized portion, making you wonder how such a delicate thing endured the ordeal of cooking.

Lamb Koft a Curry

IngredientsServes 4For the meatballsLamb ground meat 2 lbGarlic cloves 6-8 clovesGinger mince 2 tbspCumin powder 1 tspCoriander powder 1 tspRed chili powder ½ tspSalt to tasteBlack pepper powder ½ tspTurmeric powder ½ tspEggs 2 nosCilantro chopped 4 tbspMint leaves chopped 4 tbsp

For the kofta sauceOil 1 tbspCumin seeds ½ tspGinger garlic paste 1 tbspGreen chili, chopped ½ tbspRed onion, chopped 4 tbspTomato chopped 4 tbspTomato puree ½ cupCilantro chopped 2 tbspGaram masala 1 tspSalt to taste Clove 2-3 clovesGreen cardamom 2-3 podsBay leaves 1-2 leavesRed chili powder ½ tspTurmeric powder ½ tsp

Method:Squeeze the ground lamb meat

using a muslin cloth to extract the moisture and keep aside in a bowl.

Add the eggs, salt, coriander powder, garam masala, minced ginger, garlic, cumin powder, black pepper powder, turmeric, cilantro chopped, and mint leaves chopped.

Mix all the ingredients to combine well.

Using a little water shape the meat into golf sized balls and keep aside.

To make the kofta curry sauce, heat oil in a heavy bottom pan and add cumin seeds, cloves, cardamom pods and bay leaves.

Let the cumin seeds splutter and add ginger garlic paste and sauté till light brown.

Add chopped onion and tomato and sauté for 3-4 minutes or until onions are translucent.

Add salt, coriander powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala and add tomato puree.

Add two cups of water and gently add the kofta and simmer over slow flame.

Stir gently to avoid breaking the kofta and simmer for 8-10 minutes or until the kofta is cooked.

Adjust the seasoning and add chopped cilantro. Serve hot with basmati rice or choice of bread.

Note: You can also make the kofta sauce and toss in boiled pasta to make your own version of Indian meatball pasta. You can also simmer the prepared meatball sauce in water with salt and turmeric over medium heat. Then you can use the same water in the meatball sauce instead of water. This will make the sauce rich and make it taste better.

Delectable kofta curry is world’s local favourite

WHOLESOME: Lamb Kofta Curry Photo by the author

Page 7: Dire straits - Gulf Times

7Friday, December 14, 2018 GULF TIMES

COMMUNITY

Stage set for Voice of NepalPrabin Gurung, Managing Director of Green Grass, talks to Usha

Wagle Gautam about the upcoming show and future prospects

Green Grass Trading and Contracting Company and Yak and Yeti are all set to organise the grand fi nale of Voice of Nepal, Nepali edition of international

singing reality show, The Voice, at Asian Town Grand Mall, Sanaiya, today.

Prabin Gurung, Managing Director of Green Grass, said that the Voice of Nepal in Doha will be a proud event for Nepali community in Qatar. Originally created by John de Mol, Dutch Producer, the Nepali edition of The Voice is directed by Laxman Poudel and hosted by Sushil Nepal and Osin Sitaula. The gurus of the programme include Deep Shrestha, Abhaya Subba, Pramod Kharel and Sanup Poudel.

Tickets can be purchased from Nepali restaurants in Doha and Grand Mall, along

with the home delivery service, the organisers are providing. The fi nale will be shot with drones and collectively 17 cameras and will be live broadcasted by Kathmandu based Kantipur Television. The winner will win a cash prize of 2.5 million Nepali Rupees along with a car, video album contract and a world tour contract.

Talking to Community Prabin Gurung said, “The preparations are in full swing. We have already brought the necessary equipment and gears from Kathmandu and are in the process of stage production. Most of the crew members have arrived here from Kathmandu. I hope the event turns out to be a huge success.”

Speaking about introducing the new talent via the platform of the show, he said, “Unlike any other event or programme we are bringing and introducing the hidden

talent of Nepal. The intention of this franchise show is only to hunt down the hidden talent. Nepal Idol and The Voice are doing so good. These shows are like a launching pad for all these talented people. It is proud moment for us as we are bringing an event from one country and are producing it in another country.”

“Qatar is one of the most peaceful countries in the Middle East and North Africa. Nepali has the second largest community in Qatar with around 450,000 expatriates residing here and supporting Qatar for 2022 FIFA World Cup and other infrastructure developments. So, why not bring a homegrown show and re-produce it in Doha for all the expatriates residing here,” added Prabin

On talking about his prospect projects and bringing other Nepali productions in Doha, he said, “Personally, I don’t have such plans as yet, too soon. But, I defi nitely believe that

events and programmes of such sort promote tourism in Qatar. So, I’m looking forward to organising more events and doing better with every single production.”

The show will feature various artistes from Nepal. “Rajan Gurung, a Nepali folk singer, along with top 12 contestants of Voice of Nepal will be performing at the event. Sita Ram Kattel and Kunjana Ghimire, Nepali comedian couple, will also be performing at the show,” says Prabin.

“A lot of notable personalities from Qatar and Nepali community, including entrepreneurs, media people and executives are expected to attend the event. And, we’re looking forward to some fantastic production synchronised to detail. I would take the opportunity to thank both Qatar and Nepal Governments for all their support and making it possible for us to bring the show in Doha.” concluded Prabin.

TALENT HUNT: “The intention of this franchise show is only to hunt down the hidden talent,” says Prabin.

REALITY SHOW: The grand finale of Voice of Nepal, Nepali edition of international singing reality show, The Voice, will be held at Asian Town Grand Mall, Sanaiya, today.

“Qatar is one of the most peaceful countries in the Middle East and North Africa. Nepal

has the second largest community in Qatar with around 450,000 expatriates residing

here and supporting Qatar for 2022 FIFA World Cup and other infrastructure

developments. So, why not bring a homegrown show and re-produce it in

Doha for all the expatriates residing here”

Page 8: Dire straits - Gulf Times

Friday, December 14, 20188 GULF TIMES

COMMUNITY INFOGR

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Page 9: Dire straits - Gulf Times

9GULF TIMES

COMMUNITYFriday, December 14, 2018

RAPHIC

Page 10: Dire straits - Gulf Times

Friday, December 14, 201810 GULF TIMES

COMMUNITYDESS celebrates Qatar National DayDoha English Speaking School (DESS) recently organised an event to mark the Qatar National Day celebrations. The event kicked off with Qatar national anthem, which was followed by a

parade featuring students dressed in national costumes. The event also featured a Majlis Tent. The assembly was led by Sibley.

BLOOD DONATION DRIVE: Alpha Kappa Rho-Qatar (AKP-Q), in partnership with Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), recently organised a blood donation drive at Hamad Blood Donor Centre (HBDC). Some 60 people participated in the drive.

Notable Malayalam writers and journalists visit SISNotable Malayalam writers and journalists recently visited Shantiniketan Indian School (SIS) for an interactive session on ‘The Role of Students in Harmonious Kerala’. The writers and journalists, included Shihabuddeen Poithumkadavu, Malayalyam short story writer and Editor of the Chandrika Weekly; and Shaikh Muhammed Karakkunnu, Islamic Scholar and writer.Shihabuddeen explained the role of the expatriates in spreading and nurturing friendship and equality in the social life of the people of Kerala and Karakkunnu, ascertained the role of students

in developing values among the people in the modern world.Nima Hashim, a student of Grade-X at SIS, also spoke on the occasion. The event also featured a musical performance by Sneha, a student of Grade-VIII. Riya Jayaprakash welcomed the gathering. Dr Subhash Nair, Principal of SIS, and Shihabudeen Pulath, Senior Vice Principal of SIS, along with Abdul Salam, Administrator at SIS, congratulated Prasad, Head of the Department of Malayalam, and other teachers for organising the interactive session.

Page 11: Dire straits - Gulf Times

Friday, December 14, 2018 11GULF TIMES

COMMUNITYLEISURE

Colour by choice

Maze Picture crosswordConnect the dots

Page 12: Dire straits - Gulf Times

Friday, December 14, 201812 GULF TIMES

COMMUNITY CARTOON

Page 13: Dire straits - Gulf Times

13Friday, December 14, 2018 GULF TIMES

COMMUNITYLEISURE

Sudoku is a puzzle based

on a 9x9 grid. The

grid is also divided into

nine (3x3) boxes. You

are given a selection of

values and to complete

the puzzle, you must fill the grid so that

every column, every row and every 3x3

box contains the digits 1 to 9 and none

is repeated.

Sudoku

gyve(jyv)

MEANING:

noun: A fetter or shackle.

verb tr.: To restrain.

ETYMOLOGY:

Of unknown origin. Earliest documented use: 1275.

USAGE:

“Some gyve holds us back, but we cannot see it.”

jinx(jinks)

MEANING:

noun: 1. One that is believed to bring bad luck.

2. A state of bad luck.

verb tr.: 1. To cast a spell on.

2. To bring bad luck upon.

ETYMOLOGY:

Of uncertain origin. Perhaps from jynx wryneck, a bird

that was used in witchcraft. Earliest documented use: 1911.

USAGE:

“The 76ers broke their road jinx and a losing streak here

that goes back more than 4 1/2 years.”

klutz(kluts)

MEANING:

noun: A clumsy or stupid person.

ETYMOLOGY:

From Yiddish klots (wooden block), from German Klots

(wooden block). Earliest documented use: 1968. Don’t

confuse this word with kludge. A Yiddish synonym is

schlemiel.

USAGE:

“He’s a klutz, a danger to himself and others.”

mushroom(MUHSH-room)

MEANING:

verb intr.:1. To grow rapidly.

2. To develop into the shape of a mushroom.

3. To collect wild mushrooms.

adjective:1. Of or relating to mushrooms.

2. Developing or growing quickly.

ETYMOLOGY:

From allusion to the rapid growth of mushrooms,

some literally appearing overnight. From Old French

mousseron, from Latin mussirion. Earliest documented

use: 1440.

USAGE:

“More workers are out of jobs and the social safety net

has eroded. Anxiety has mushroomed.”

— wordsmith.org

Yesterday’s Solutions

WordwatchSuper Cryptic Clues

The Mall Cinema (1): Johnny (Tamil) 2:15pm; Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (Arabic) 4:45pm; Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (2D) 7pm; The Bombing (2D) 9:15pm; Oru Kupra Sidha Payyan (Malayalam) 11pm.The Mall Cinema (2): Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (2D) 2pm; Christmas Break-In (2D) 4:15pm; Aquaman (2D) 6pm; Aquaman (2D) 8:45pm; Aquaman (2D) 11:15pm.The Mall Cinema (3): Joseph (Malayalam) 2:15pm; Aquaman (2D) 4:45pm; Second Act (2D) 7:15pm; Three Words To Forever (Tagalog) 9:15pm; Pinky Memsaab: A Dubai

Story (Urdu/Hindi) 11:15pm.Landmark Cinema (1): Oru Kupra Sidha Payyan (Malayalam) 2:15pm; Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (2D) 5pm; Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (Arabic) 7:15pm; Malevolent (2D) 9:30pm; Joseph (Malayalam) 11:15pm.Landmark Cinema (2): Elliot The Littlest Reindeer (2D) 2:15pm; Aquaman (2D) 4pm; Pinky Memsaab: A Dubai Story (Urdu/Hindi) 6:30pm; Aquaman (2D) 8:45pm; Aquaman (2D) 11:15pm.Landmark Cinema (3):

Johnny (Tamil) 2:30pm; Christmas Break-In (2D) 5pm; Aquaman (2D) 7pm; Three Words To Forever (Tagalog) 9:30pm; Johnny (Tamil) 11:30pm.Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (1): Elliot The Littlest Reindeer (2D) 2:30pm; Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (Arabic) 4:15pm; Aquaman (3D) 6:30pm; Aquaman (3D) 9pm; Aquaman (2D) 11:30pm.Royal Plaza Cinema Palace (2): The Man Who Invented Christmas (2D) 2:30pm; Aquaman (2D) 4:30pm; Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (2D) 7pm; Fahrenheit 11/9 (2D) 9:15pm; Joseph (Malayalam) 11:30pm.

ACROSS1. What you pay to get

courtesy? (13)

8. The gilt buckles, time and

again, when turned, sparkle

(7)

9. Doesn’t go off directly after

the strike, one sees (7)

11. Beginning with the gear I put

on outside (6)

13. Like the scent that roses,

from far off, give one (8)

15. On return to Nice, I dropped

out for the time being (5)

16. Treated badly and made to

work when off-colour? (3-4)

18. Promises to drop a pal at the

borders (7)

19. A nut cake half hidden in the

fold (5)

21. Top gear, to the garage

mechanic! (8)

23. A female bear, we’re told (6)

25. In the latter half, the bumpkin

is even more stupid (7)

26. The first one (the fool) I give

a pound to (7)

28. ‘Eke’? (3-3,7)

Yesterday’s Solutions

Across: 1 Momentous; 8 Harrier; 9 Resumes; 10 Tangoes; 13 Hoarders; 14 Pops; 16 Dress sense; 20 Lead; 22 Tern; 24 Mind-reader; 28 Item; 29 Garrison; 31 Tellers; 34 Top-soil; 35 Respite; 36 Redressed.

Down: 1 Marched; 2 Mistake; 3 Nomad; 4 Observe; 5 Shot; 6 Drag; 7 Wrested; 11 Appear; 12 Ouse; 15 Plea; 17 Roe; 18 Sent; 19 Summer; 21 Ace; 22 Totters; 23 Rill; 25 Drafted; 26 Despots; 27 Rankled; 30 Rupee; 32 Lope; 33 Seer.

DOWN2. In my view, ‘owing’ could be a

clue for it (7)

3. Ready to go down (3)

4. She’s standing on a perch (4)

5. Don’t think so highly of,

anyway (10)

6. Sound made by instruments

that want to go off key? (5)

7. Taking the ring road daily

into a green zone (7)

8. Crushed ice? (6,5)

10. Stand up fast and you won’t

have it! (3-4,4)

12. She answers for the

Frenchman when asked,

‘Who’s there?’ (5)

14. How oddly one is lacking in

duplicity? (10)

17. Back copies I got in colour (5)

18. After which the critic writes a

one page notice? (7)

20. Hearty! (7)

22. Since the gardens are to one

side (5)

24. First left on top of the table

(4)

27. To one’s annoyance, the top

is torn off the telegram (3)

Page 14: Dire straits - Gulf Times

Friday, December 14, 201814 GULF TIMES

COMMUNITY LIFESTYLE/HOROSCOPE

ARIESMarch 21 — April 19

CANCERJune 21 — July 22

LIBRASeptember 23 — October 22

CAPRICORNDecember 22 — January 19

TAURUSApril 20 — May 20

LEOJuly 23 — August 22

SCORPIOOctober 23 — November 21

AQUARIUSJanuary 20 — February 18

GEMINIMay 21 — June 20

VIRGOAugust 23 — September 22

SAGITTARIUSNovember 22 — December 21

PISCESFebruary 19 — March 20

Ignite the fire in your heart, Aries, and make it burn more brightly

than before. Keep in mind that you may need to make compromises

in order to be on the same page with your friend in the way you

relate emotionally. Make sure everyone gets a chance to be on

center stage. Don’t hog the podium. Maintain a working balance by

letting others have their turn in the spotlight.

Circumstances of the day may result in some tricky situations for

you, Cancer. You could be caught between a rock and a hard place.

The instinct to make war or peace with any given issue is making

you restless. On the one hand, you may want to smooth things out

in a reasonable manner. On the other, there is a part of you that is

eager to declare all-out nuclear warfare.

You will find that you relate very well to others today, Libra, and

your communication will prove to be quite valuable. You may find

yourself in the position of arbiter simply because you have the

detached mind that people need to resolve disputes. Take an active

role in the lives of those around you, and see how your own life

benefits from the generosity of your actions.

Adjustments may be in order for you to flow easily with the energy

of the day, Capricorn. The prevailing tone calls for a more outwardly

directed solution to all situations. You will discover that it’s easy to

start up new projects today, especially those involving creative or

romantic elements. The tricky part will be follow-through. This is

your specialty, so don’t worry about it. You’ve got that part covered.

There are a couple important issues that you may need to resolve,

Taurus. Take an active role in the department of love and romance.

Feel free to be aggressive about having your needs met. Make sure

you’re comfortable with the situation or else stand up and change

it. For you, the day is all about taking action. Strive to create peace

through honest assertiveness.

Things should go well for you today, Leo. Your romantic nature is

piqued. You will find that an aggressive approach toward your loved

one is just what’s needed to jump-start the relationship. If you’re

single and looking for love, this is a good day to get out and ask

someone to dance. Neaten up your appearance and wear a snazzy

outfits, regardless of the situation.

You may be tempted to shift into high gear today, Scorpio, but you’re

likely to be unsure where to focus your energy. You may be revved

up and anxious to get moving, but feel lazy and unmotivated to do

anything but sit back and wait for the excitement to come to you.

Whatever you do, don’t retreat into a hole. Dress up and show off

your outer as well as inner beauty.

The prevailing tone today is a mix of conflicting energies that

might put some stress on your heart. It’s nothing you can’t handle,

Aquarius. In fact, if anyone can make the most out of today, you can.

Tap into your aggressiveness and act boldly toward the object of

your desire. Make sure there is harmony among those around you

and everyone’s needs are taken care of.

You should enjoy a good mood today, Gemini, and you will find

that things will go well for you in general. Perhaps the only sticky

situation that could arise is one that stems from an aggressive

approach in the department of love and romance. This impatient

urge or petty argument by one or both parties may result in an all-

out war. Try to maintain a level head in all situations.

Stand up and take action, Virgo. Forces may be pulling on you from

all angles, and your challenge will be to maintain a healthy balance

among all of them. You have a chance to accomplish a great deal

by directing your energies outward instead of inward. Other people

may be punchy. Counteract this by being patient. Your contribution

to the group will be appreciated.

There’s apt to be tension between your heart and your general

mood, Sagittarius. Your romantic nature will incline you to adopt a

selfish, impatient attitude, while the prevailing tone of the day calls

for peace and balance. Try to maintain an equal amount of give and

take. There’s enough love to go around. Don’t feel like you need to

be possessive in order to maintain others’ loyalty.

The key today is action, Pisces. There’s a great deal of force

pressuring you to get the ball rolling. One of these forces may come

from a romantic interest waiting for you to make the next move. You

may have many projects on the table and be unsure where to focus

your energy. Don’t feel like you need to concentrate on any one

thing. They key is to maintain balance among all.

Six ways to manage dry and itchy skin in babiesB

abies have delicate skin, which is sensitive to humidity and changes in the weather. Cold weather affects

the skin even further by causing rashes, redness and itching.

Most rashes are harmless and go away on their own. However, in some situations, the skin condition can become chronic and difficult to manage. Atopic dermatitis, also called atopic eczema, is one such skin condition that affects one in five children globally.

Atopic dermatitis is long-lasting (chronic) and tends to flare periodically. Often, it appears in infants in the first year of birth and progresses till five years of age and, at times, even beyond. It leads to inflamed and itchy skin, resulting in patches of red and dry skin. The condition may worsen

during colder months. Often, as the child enters teenage, the skin condition persists, affecting daily activities. This leads to a lack of self-confidence, thus impacting the child’s overall personality development.

Atopic dermatitis can lead to skin infections, as the dry, inflamed skin results in cracks, causing microbes and irritants to enter the skin. Dryness, itching, cracks, and redness are the common symptoms of atopic dermatitis, which can occur anywhere on the body.

A child whose family member has a history of asthma or allergies is more likely to develop atopic dermatitis. There is a 40-50 per cent probability of a child developing atopic dermatitis if one of her parents also suffered from the condition. This figure rises to 50-80 per cent when both

the parents suffered from the skin condition.

Dr Rajesh Kumawat, Head-Medical Services & Clinical Development, The Himalaya Drug Company, shares a few tips to combat atopic dermatitis in babies:

Avoid harsh soaps: Use baby washes containing herbal actives, specially formulated for baby’s delicate skin. Natural ingredients like Indian aloe (aloe vera), almond oil, milk, and olive oil work together to nourish and maintain the moisture balance of baby’s skin.

Avoid hot baths, long showers: Maintain the right water temperature for the baby’s bath. Water should be lukewarm, as hot water can make the skin dry. Baby should be bathed for not more than 10 to 15 minutes. Lightly pat the skin with a towel

to remove excess water, and avoid drying the skin completely.

Keep fingernails short: Keep your child’s fingernails short and cover itchy areas with a cloth or dressing to prevent scratching that can cause skin irritation and infection.

Moisturise the skin: Immediately apply a gentle and hydrating lotion or cream to moisturise baby’s skin immediately after a bath. A good moisturising agent usually consists of natural ingredients such as coconut, kokum, rice, and aloe vera, among others. Moisturising helps hydrate the skin and relieve skin irritation.

Put comfortable dresses: Loose cotton clothing helps keep the baby comfortable, whereas woollen and synthetic fibres may keep baby too warm and worsen the skin condition. Avoid covering

the baby in thick blankets/clothes that can cause irritation to sensitive skin.

Avoid harsh chemical products: Choose products that are free from mineral oils, parabens, fragrances and artificial colours. Natural ingredients like kokum and aloe vera are known for their hydrating and moisturising properties. Rice bran extract provides necessary skin components called ceramides, which are essential for maintaining skin barrier function and retaining skin moisture. Coconut has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness and soothe the skin.

Understanding the needs of baby’s skin is essential for healthy development, both physical and mental. Any ailment of the skin can affect baby’s overall well-being. — IANS

Page 15: Dire straits - Gulf Times

Friday, December 14, 2018 15GULF TIMES

COMMUNITYSHOWBIZ

Arjun Rampal tomake digital debut

Actor Arjun Rampal will make his digital debut with The Final Call, a web series which is an adaptation of author Priya Kumars book I Will Go With You.

“I am thrilled about my digital debut with ZEE5 for The Final Call. This story is special and you will see me in a very diff erent avatar. We just wrapped up our fi rst shoot schedule in Kashmir and I cannot wait to present the fi nal product to the viewers,” Arjun said in a statement.

The series is slated for an early 2019 release.

Manish Aggarwal, Business Head, ZEE5 India, said: “The Final Call is our maiden foray into the genre of web series based on book adaptations. Arjun Rampal fi t the character of the protagonist perfectly.”

The Final Call will take audiences on a ride of life and death.

Aparna Acharekar, Programming Head, ZEE5 India, said: “What excited us the most about The Final Call is the originality of the story. It is unlike anything we have ever heard or seen before. While the book was extremely well received, we are quite certain that the show will have its fans too.” – IANS

Scott Derrickson returning to direct Doctor Strange sequel

Scott Derrickson, who directed and co-wrote the 2016 fi lm Doctor Strange, will helm a new instalment of the movie.

A search for a writer to pen the script is about to get underway, according to hollywoodreporter.com

Actor Benedict Cumberbatch will return as Stephen Strange, the good doctor turned master of the mystic arts, as will Benedict Wong, who played his right-hand man, Wong.

Rachel McAdams, who played Stephen Strange’s love interest, is likely to return as well.

Doctor Strange was last seen de-materialising in the $2 billion-grossing Avengers: Infi nity War, where one of his lines of dialogue served as the inspiration for the title of the fourth Avengers movie, Avengers: Endgame. – IANS

Pratt has lost weight with intermittent fasting

Actor Chris Pratt says intermittent fasting has helped him to lose a little weight.

The Guardians of the Galaxy star, 39, is famously fi t after years of training for his various superhero roles, and this time around he is trying out the popular diet plan, which involves fasting for most of the day and eating only during a shortened time period, reports people.com

“So I’m doing this intermittent fasting thing; don’t eat till noon, try to get my cardio in in the morning. It’s super exciting actor stuff ,” Pratt joked on his Instagram story on Monday.

“But I fi nally get my coff ee and look: I’m drinking out of Minnie Mouse’s head!” he said, while lifting up his mug.

“Look it up! Check it out! It’s actually kinda cool,” he said. “Works pretty good and I’ve lost a little weight so far.” – IANS

HELMER: Scott Derrickson

FIT: Chris Pratt is famously fit for his various superhero roles.

Feel fortunate for everything I’ve gone through, says Katrina

Actress Katrina Kaif, looking forward to the release of her forthcoming film Zero, says she considers herself really fortunate for everything that she has gone

through in her film career.Katrina was interacting with the media at

the launch of the song Husn parcham from Zero, along with film’s director Aanand L Rai, music composer duo Ajay-Atul, lyricist Irshad Kamil, choreographer Bosco Martis and T-Series honcho Bhushan Kumar on Wednesday.

Katrina Kaif made her Hindi film debut with Kaizad Gustad’s Boom in 2003 and in 2018, she has completed 15 years in the film industry.

Looking back at her journey, she said: “I feel very fortunate. I feel that I have experienced and seen so many beautiful things in the last few years. I have seen ups and downs. I have

seen the worst and highest of times but I just feel really fortunate for everything that I have gone through.

“I feel fortunate today to be working in a film like this, to be part of the film with the kind of talent that we have – from Aanand sir, to Shah Rukh (Khan) and to Anushka (Sharma). I think as long as I am getting the opportunity to showcase, learn and take my art forward with the best people that we have today in the film industry, I am really grateful.

“As long as I am learning something – even if it is a little bit every day – as long as I feel that I am adding and improving in my craft and giving my audience something new, then I feel quite happy.” Earlier, Katrina has danced to some successful songs like Sheela ki jawani, Chikni chameli and Afghan jalebi.

Asked what she has done differently in Husn parcham, she said: “I think for me, the biggest

difference in this song is that Aanand (Rai) sir came on the sets on one of the days and said, ‘I want my audience to see this character (Babita Kumari) as the happiest woman in the world’. She doesn’t care about the world and she is having super-good time and that is always something which is good to remember.

“Sometimes we get caught up in doing things technically in terms of steps but we forget the joy that one feels when they dance. So, for me, it was very nice and a refreshing change to feel really happy and not at all taking any tension about dance, but performing for myself.

Zero is a romantic drama film written by Himanshu Sharma and directed by Rai.

Releasing on December 21, it is jointly produced by Colour Yellow Productions and Red Chillies Entertainment’s Gauri Khan. – IANS

KEEN: Katrina Kaif is looking forward to the release of her forthcoming film Zero.

THRILLED: Arjun Rampal says he is thrilled about digital series The Final Call.

Page 16: Dire straits - Gulf Times

Friday, December 14, 201816 GULF TIMES

COMMUNITY

Playing violin with the furiousbow and a resolute expression

By Mudassir Raja

The fi fth annual Qatar British Festival recently concluded with British Landscapes Concert at Mondrian Hotel where

Savitri Grier, a British award winning violinist, performed with Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra musicians.

Around 500 people attended the concert at Magnolia café of the hotel. The audience took keen interest in the performance of Savitri who was performing in Doha for the fi rst time. She works slowly, with the grace of an artist and the confi dence of a professional as she holds a furious bow and a resolute expression when she plays. She fi rst picked up the violin when she was four.

“My father is a pianist and a composer. My mother, originally an artist, is a child psychotherapist. My younger sister plays cello. So we are a sort of musical family. I started playing violin when I was only four and, after I insisted, my father he arranged a professional instructor for me. Since then, I have been enjoying music to the core,” tells Savitri.

“Probably when I was 12, I decided to be a professional violinist. You know some decisions just come from within and that was exactly what happened. I get a lot of appreciation for my work but I

think it kills the passion and charm of it if someone tells you to play it specifi cally. One should play when it comes from within. I have taken part in a couple of competitions and I’m completely satisfi ed with my decision for opting for a career in violin.”

Talking about her musical journey, Savitri, who lives in Berlin now-a-days, said, “We always had a piano at home but I was never interested in it. One day, I saw my father practising violin with one of his friends and that’s when I felt the connection with the instrument. It of course came to me naturally and gradually but I started attending more and more concerts to get an insight into voice notes and instrument.”

She added, “I attended Royal Academy of Music in London when I was only eight-years-old. With the passage of time, I overcame my stage fright. Since then I have been enjoying the music and still continue to learn more.”

When asked about her accomplishments, the violinist said, “I have been successful in a lot of competitions. I have played violin in diff erent parts of the world, including China, India, New York, London and Berlin. I have been playing solo and chamber music.”

Speaking about her inspirations in the classical European music, Savitri noted, “I’ve been very lucky to have some fantastic teachers. I studied for several years with David

Takeno, a Japanese violinist in London. He is and will always be a huge infl uence to me. Currently, I am playing with Nora Chastain, an American violinist in Berlin. The great thing about music is that we never stop learning.

“However, my all-time favourtie contemporary violinist is Lisa Batiashvili. She is Georgia-born German violinist. She is very inspiring. She has got some very strong stage presence. While listening to her, you really feel transformed. She takes everyone to a journey with her. Music is all about communication and she is very good at it.”

Regarding her future plans, the violinist said, “It is very exciting to go around the world and play music. My journey is really about meeting people and playing with the people. I aspire on creating my own chamber music festival one day. A small group of people will play for one week or so.”

Sharing her piece of advice for the budding classical musicians, she said, “I’m passionate to work with young people. I gave a masterclass the other day at Katara as well. The children need to have the opportunities to learn. I want the younger lot to attend live concerts as much as possible. It is good to listen on Internet. But, the passion comes when you’re right there, at the moment.”

Savitria thinks that these are very diffi cult times for the classical European music. She said, “The

audiences are getting older and older. The young generation, in general, is not so much interested in the western classical music. Though many young musicians are trying hard, but the problem is many people think it is too elite and fancy. They think it is very expensive. I think classical

music should be made available for maximum people. However, I am really impressed with the kind of attention the music receives in Qatar. Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra is 10 years old. The orchestra is known all over the world for the classical music. I am really happy to play here.”

PERFORMANCE: Savitri Grier, a British award winning violinist, during the performance at fifth annual Qatar British Festival. Photos supplied

STRONGWILLED: “Probably when I was 12, I decided to be a professional violinist. You know some decisions just come from within and that was exactly what happened,” says Savitri