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Indian expat community marks Republic Day in style
Indian expat community marks Republic Day in style Sajila Saseendran / 27 January 2014 Thousands of Indian students showcase the unity in diversity of their country on its 65th Republic Day. Indian Republic Day celebrations at Indian High School in Dubai on Sunday. – KT photos by Shihab Thousands of Indian students donned the roles of cultural ambassadors on Sunday morning, showcasing the unity in diversity of their country on its 65th Republic Day. The over two million-strong Indian community, which forms the largest expatriate group in the UAE, celebrated the day to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of India as the governing document of the world’s largest democracy on 26 January, 1950. The official celebrations in Abu Dhabi took place at the premises of the Indian Embassy. The Indian Ambassador to the UAE, TP Seetharam, raised the national flag in the presence of over 800 Indians from all walks of life. A large group of Indian workers also attended the event during which the envoy read out excerpts from the Indian president Pranab Mukherjee’s address to the nation on the eve of the Republic Day. In Dubai, the official celebrations took place at the Indian High School (IHS) following a flag-hoisting ceremony at the Indian Consulate. Chairman of IHS, L.M. Pancholia, welcomed the gathering comprising children’s parents, senior members of the community and consular officials. Consul-General of India in Dubai, Anurag Bhushan, unfurled the tricolour and hoisted it once again at the event in the IHS. This was followed by recital of the National Anthem by the school choir. A march-past of 243 students followed, adding grandeur to the celebration. Speaking on the occasion, the Consul-General said: “This is a special day to remember the sacrifices of our founding fathers who participated in the freedom struggle, and the members of the armed forces who guard our borders.” He also read extracts from the President’s address, which highlighted the importance of the democratic set up of the country. “India’s true strength lies in her republic; in the courage of her commitment, the sagacity of her constitution, and the patriotism of her people. 1950 saw the birth of our Republic. I am sure that 2014 will be the year of resurgence,” it said. The president’s message also reminded Indians the need for introspection and action to re-discover the sense of national purpose and patriotism. Showcasing the young generation’s patriotic spirit, nearly 2,000 students from IHS Dubai’s junior and senior campuses and the International Indian High School in Silicon Oasis presented colourful and synchronised performances. The theme for this year’s celebrations revolved around a message: “Let there be progress, peace and prosperity…Mere Bharat, Yashaswi Bhava!” The two-hour long performances, which also saw boys dressed up as India’s freedom fighters, concluded with the children holding placards saying ‘Our People…Our Strength’ and “Bravo Dubai” for the Expo 2020 win. NM Aboobaker, whose son participated in a performance, said the performances by the students wearing the tricolour and ethnic attires of various Indian states were splendid. “When people in Delhi get to see the performances of adults, it is the children over here who perform to the tunes of patriotic songs and rekindle the nostalgic feelings and nationalistic emotions of the expatriates.” For Rosy George, one of the senior most teachers in the school, whose birthday falls on Republic Day, the celebrations in Dubai always made her feel at home. “I have been here for 33 years and these functions make me feel as if I am in India,” said the head of the English Department in the Senior Girls’ Section who was seen being wished by students on her 60th birthday. sajila@khaleejtimes.com For more news from Khaleej Times, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/khaleejtimes , and on Twitter at @khaleejtimes Continue reading
DHA breaks record in ‘medical marathon’
DHA breaks record in ‘medical marathon’ Staff Reporter / 27 January 2014 More than 690 medical professionals took part in the Dubai Marathon 2014 breaking the earlier Guinness World Record of 2012 when 619 medical professionals took part in a marathon in Singapore. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) broke the existing Guinness World Record for the largest number of medical professionals to take part in a marathon on Friday. More than 690 medical professionals took part in the Dubai Marathon 2014 breaking the earlier Guinness World Record of 2012 when 619 medical professionals took part in a marathon in Singapore. A representative from the Guiness World Record was present during the marathon. Essa Al Maidoor, Director-General of the DHA, who led his team in the marathon record bid said: “Leading an active life is essential to protect oneself from the onset of several chronic diseases, most of which are triggered by unhealthy and inactive lifestyles. Healthcare professionals often have hectic routines and therefore we wanted to use this opportunity to remind them to take time out for themselves and participate in the marathon. We are hopeful that they will continue exercising regularly, even after the marathon is over.” Al Maidoor who is an avid sports enthusiast said it is unfortunate that people do not find 30 minutes in a day for themselves so that they can take part in any sport or exercise. More than 1,255 employees from the DHA ran on Friday for the Dubai Marathon 2014, this includes administrative staff from the authority as well. “This is the largest participation from a government organisation in a sporting event in the Middle East and North Africa region,” said Dr Moin Fikree, medical director of the Trauma Centre, Rashid Hospital. Fikree said that there are several parks, jogging tracks and beaches in Dubai where people can take part in outdoor activities during the winter months. “As healthcare professionals, it is upsetting to see young people being brought into the hospital for heart attacks and other chronic diseases often caused by obesity, lack of exercise and tobacco consumption.” Dr G Y Naroo, specialist in emergency medicine at Rashid Hospital’s Trauma Centre, who took part in the 42km run along with his eight colleagues said: “Heart attacks take place 10 years earlier in this region compared to many western countries, strokes take place at least 20 years earlier in the UAE as compared to many other countries. These statistics are alarming. There is a direct link between expanding waist lines and these illnesses, therefore, it is time to educate our youth to lead active lifestyles and as the health authority for the emirate of Dubai, we felt, it was important for us to spread this message through our participation in such an important sporting event.” asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com For more news from Khaleej Times, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/khaleejtimes , and on Twitter at @khaleejtimes Continue reading
Projects to improve roads in Godolphin and Zabeel areas
Projects to improve roads in Godolphin and Zabeel areas Staff Reporter / 26 January 2014 Directives issued to rename Al Khail First Road as Al Saadah Road. The Al Saada Road extends about 7.5km linking Shaikh Rashid Road and Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard Road. — Supplied photo Inspired by the nature of the district, Al Khail First Road has been renamed Al Saada Road which means happiness in Arabic. His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has also ordered improvement of two parallel road projects in the Godolphin and Zabeel areas costing about Dh1 billion, according to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The now Al Saada Road extends about 7.5km linking the Shaikh Rashid Road and the Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard Road and is inspired by the nature of the district which harbours towering facilities including the Executive Council of Dubai, Dubai World Trade Centre, Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall in addition to an array of hotels and tourist attractions. Starting from a point nearby the World Trade Centre, Al Saada Road passes by the Dubai Financial Center and stretches up to the downtown Burj Khalifa. “These vital facilities bring welfare and happiness to citizens, residents and tourists alike,” said Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of RTA. “This classifies the UAE as one of the happiest countries on earth,” Al Tayer said that the Parallel Roads Improvement Project in Godolphin area would be undertaken in the last quarter of this year. “It requires about 30 months to complete and costs about Dh900 million,” he added. The project comprises construction of several roads, bridges and tunnels to ensure smooth traffic flow on the parallel roads and alleviate congestions in the neighbourhood. “It is considered an extension to Al Asayel Road and Al Saada Road aimed to support the existing roads in the Business Bay district improve the traffic services and provide entry and exit options for the area stretching along the Shaikh Zayed and Al Khail Roads besides linking with the surrounding communities such as Al Qouz, Zabeel and Jumeirah,” continued Al Tayer. The eastern Parallel Roads Project at Zabeel will be an extension of the Al Asayel Road and will cost about Dh100 million. Work on the project is set to start as early as February 2014 and will continue for 210 days. “The project links the Business Bay district with the existing Oud Metha Road through the underpasses of the Financial Centre Road and Zabeel 2 Road. This new road extends 3km and comprises three lanes in each direction,” said Al Tayer. “In future it will be linked with the Shaikh Rashid bin Saeed crossing through a bridge passing over Oud Metha Road to link Bur Dubai with The Lagoons, Al Warqaa, Nad Al Hammar and the International City. The project works include ceramic cladding and lighting of the underpasses of the Financial Centre Road and Zabeel Road,” he added. news@khaleejtimes.com For more news from Khaleej Times, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/khaleejtimes , and on Twitter at @khaleejtimes Continue reading
