black & white mag issue 43
DESCRIPTION
Oman's first free fortnightly magazineTRANSCRIPT
Vol.
3 Iss
ue 4
3II A
pri
l 7-3
0,
2012
FREE F
ort
nig
htl
y15 J
um
ada I –
9 J
um
ada II
ww
w.b
lackandw
hit
eom
an.c
om
8 days of MIFF8 days of MIFF
4 April 7-30, 2012
Published by: Muscat Press & Publishing House SAOC
Black & White
Postal address: P O Box 86, PC 115, Madinat Sultan Qaboos
Office location: Hatat House A, II Floor, Suite No: 212
Ph: 24565697 Fax: 24565496
Website: www.blackandwhiteoman.com
Editorial: [email protected]
Xclusive
Thrilling eight days of MIFF
Eight days of thrilling movie escapades, mind boggling performances, real time glitz and
glamour, music, dance and drama. The Black & White takes the reader through the key
highlights of the MIFF
Editor-in-chief Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali
Managing editor Priya Arunkumar
Work editor Adarsh Madhavan
Design & production Beneek Siraj
Advt. & marketing Shannon D'Souza
Priyanka Sampat
Conte
nts
Absolutely no abs!
Experts tell us why some of
us have abs, and some of
us don’t
46
52
8
18
Forty, but not flabby
SUDOKU entry form & Rules
If you want to feel great under your
own skin and feel your best, you
need to work at it. Especially when
you are 40 and/or over that age.
The 3rd edition of the B&W Sudoku
for a cause: Autism is scheduled to
be held on June 1
5Black & White
Sometimes, even when you’re right, you’re wrongBy Adarsh Madhavan
WHAT IS FATE?
Fate is something that happens to you out of the
blue when you least expect it and drowns you in the
deluge before you even realise it.
We were fated to have our event (7th Muscat
International Film Festival) suddenly shifted from
the 5000 seats Grand Hall of the Sultan Qaboos
University to the 620 (plus) seats Oman Auditorium
of Al Bustan Palace hotel late one night, recently.
And we were drowned in the deluge of protests,
threats, cancellations, refunds, fights, complaints,
arguments, insults and losses…
ACTORS IN LIVE DRAMA
We were fated to go through it. And we went through
it. Quietly. Those who did not know what we went
through blamed us, pointed fingers at us. They
abused us and they cursed us.
In just over a week, a drama of mammoth
proportions was being enacted and we were caught
in the middle of it: the chief protagonists! World
renowned stars, celebrities, actors, performers and
movie lovers mixed and matched and buffed and
rebuffed while we went about our quiet struggle
taking on the demands of not only A-list celebrities,
but also the public who did not have a clue as to
what it took to hold together an event that was rapidly
falling apart.
GIVE OUR MONEY BACK
How dare you shift the venue, some shrilled at us?
We did not shift, we said. We were asked to shift
because of the protests at the SQU, we told them.
We don’t care, they said. Give us our money back,
they yelled. We will, we said and quietly refunded
their tickets. Why are you changing the venue,
we are pulling back our sponsorship, some of the
sponsors started grumbling.
MALICIOUS MAIL SENDER
In the distance was the rumbling of stars and
celebrities who were being egged on by some
elements here to make unnecessary demands and
suddenly a new sly threat rose: someone started
sending malicious mails and began to make phone
calls and scaring stars in India from coming here.
This sly and malicious person apparently told some
of the stars that they would be compromising their
security where they to land here; less malicious
lies included that they (the stars) would be treated
shabbily once they are here, put in bad hotels and
so on…
TAINTING THE NAME
We were, of course, mortified. But, then, we once
again gritted our teeth, bent our heads and moved
ahead with our task. We had a job to do, and we
couldn’t slack. Whoever was playing foul with us did
not realise that they were not just playing with us,
but, they were playing with the sentiments of a film
loving nation; moreover, they were, by this action,
tainting the name of this country, which was quite
unpardonable!
NO REACTION
But, our hands were full and we did not have the
time to be as vicious and malicious as them and
so we left that too. We did not react! In fact, the
biggest lesson that we learnt from all of this was
patience! We could have easily given up at the start
– but we did not do that. We were lashed at from
every end, but, we held on. No, we are not trying
to paint ourselves as heroes, or as valiant soldiers.
We were a far cry from that. We were slapped on
our left cheeks, but we showed them our right too!
Sometimes, even when you are right, you are still
wrong.
We learnt that. We experienced that!
What a treat! I refer to the incredible eight day film festival
(7th Muscat International Film Festival – MIFF) hosted by
Oman recently. I was present at the opening and closing
ceremonies and also the one where Billy Boyd (Lord of the
Rings) was present.
The best part of the opening was the performance by Isha
Sharvani and her troupe. Sivamani and Rajab were superb
in their own way. I am a great fan of Sivamani and would like
to personally thank him for giving us such great beats, but
Isha and her team took my breath away. I had never seen
anything like this before and although I have heard of Isha
as an actress, this is the first time that I am witnessing her
in this form. She seemed to float like an ethereal being and
the drummers were incredible. She and her dancers took
my breath away and I am sure many in the audience would
have felt the same way. What a fine start to the MIFF. As far
as I am concerned, the opening ceremony was outstanding
and the closing ceremony, although the commanding
presence of Hariprasad Chaurasia cannot be ignored, I still
think the opening outshone the closing. I could not attend all
the events though. I took my seven-year old to the Billy Boyd
event and he was amazing on stage. Thank you organisers!
Sumeeth Raghavan, Seeb
Why didn’t Saif Ali Khan and Kareena come for the MIFF?
I read in the papers where it was stated that they skipped
the MIFF owing to security reasons. What was the security
problem here? And indeed if there were reasons to worry,
why did the son of the great Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi allow
his beloved mother to be at the mercy of whatever problem
that they feared they would have to encounter?
It is a pity that they took the organisers for a ride! If the
organisers were strong they would have gone ahead and
sued the duo.!
Trevor D’Souza, Al Khuwair
Opening vs Closing at the MIFF
Took organisers for a ride
6 April 7-30, 2012
Reader's
colu
mn
Mail your views and opinions at
Saif Ali Khan’s and Kareena’s ‘no show’ at the MIFF was quite disappointing.
They let the MIFF down; they let all of us down and most distressing was that
they let Oman down, which is most unforgiveable! They really left a bad taste
in the mouth of so many of us who were real fans of the duo. Not any more.
Salim Zadjali, Qurum
It was a real honour for all of us movie lovers to be up, close and personal with
so many stars and celebrities here. Of all the stars with whom I interacted, took
photos with, I must say that I was bowled over by one star, whose feet seems
to be really grounded on this earth – Nandita Das! She was and is my favourite
star – now, she is also my favourite person!
It is not often that you can say that of a star – especially a movie star, whose
off screen persona may be quite different. Not so this lady – she is a real lady
on and off the screen!
I was also quite bowled over by Rila’s (Rila Banerji’s) take off on the Bond
theme song. She was fabulous! Muscat needs to see more of Rila’s talents! .
Sharanya Bhaskar, Wadi Kabir
Unforgiveable act
Met a real lady
8 April 7-30, 2012
Absolutely
Few men realise the
important role that
water could play in
not just their fitness
regime, but even in
achieving a ripped
set of abs. You may
find that hard to
believe, but just look
at how it works. In
a fast-paced world
where everything is
fast, even food and
highly processed
foods, there is
the possibility that
you will get water
retention.
Those who indulge
in a high-sodium diet
and are not drinking
enough water
throughout the day,
beware this is going
to affect your fitness
plans and you bet,
your abs too.
Men r
ead
Experts say that you need to
have at least 10 glasses of
water a day and the results
are almost immediate.
Since we are on the subject
of abs, let us continue and
find out why some of us have
abs, and some of us don’t.
MUSCLE SHORTAGE
One of the simplest reasons
that you don’t have abs is
that you have a shortage
of muscle. Have you ever
thought of that? There
are some people who
are naturally endowed
with a kind of abdominal
development, but, on the
other side, there are people
who do not have any such
development. Those who are
in the latter segment need
to start performing heavy
duty ab work to get some
development going.
GENETICALLY IGNORED
Shortage of muscle is one
aspect and the other reason
is that you are not genetically
predisposed for the same. In
the sense, there are some
people who carry more
abdominal fat and even if the
rest of the part of the body
gets ripped, the ab will still
hang out like a sore thumb,
or worse, several thumbs.
Toning that part is not easy,
but if you want abs you've
got to work for it!
GET YOUR 8 HOURS
ZZZZZ…
Now, the other reason for
your no abs ways is your
sheer lack of sleep. If you
are in the habit of sleeping
late and hoping for great abs,
then you will only lose sleep
and gain flab!
At VLCC, we are helping Khalid to lose his excess weight and bulges in Five and half months , without resorting to crash diets, medicines, hunger suppressants, strenuous exercises or surgery. With our completely natural weight loss program, Khalid is starting to enjoy an active and healthy life as he is planning to lose more.
“I lost 43.4 kgs & 134 cm with VLCCin 5 months & began discovering life all over again”
www.vlccwellness.com
Mr. Khalid
CALL NOW FOR YOUR FITNESS CHECK
OMAN - UAE - QATAR - BAHRAIN - INDIA
Resu
lts may vary fro
m p
erson
to p
erson
.
At VLCC, we are helping Kh
g
Before VLCC
cess weight and bulges in Five and rting to crash diets, medicines, hunger suppressants, urgery. With our completely natural weight loss
g gMrMr.. Khalid
Resu
lts may vary fro
m p
erson
to p
erson
.
halid to lose his exc
g
C After Losing 43.4 kg
and still losing
42/2
012
Doctors say that lack of sleep causes an
increase of cortisol, a potent hormone,
to surge through your system. Cortisol
actually encourages the accumulation
of stomach fat. So go back your school
days! Pronto!
NO STRESS PLEASE, WE’RE ABS
Just like lack of sleep, high levels
of stress also induce the release of
cortisol and quickly cause fat gain in
the belly area. If you lead a high-stress
lifestyle and feel chronic tension, not
only are you encouraging stomach fat
accumulation, but you’re also risking the
loss of lean muscle mass. If you want to
stay ripped everywhere else and move
closer to a six-pack, you must control
your stress.
KEEP IT TIGHT
Now, whatever happens, you got to pull
your abs in. What do you do when you
go to the beach, you pull your stomach
in right? Keep it that way! Also, don’t
stop the abdominal control after your ab
workout. Train your abs hard in the gym
and then keep them tight and pulled in
at all times. Soon, it will become a habit
and you will look leaner.
10 April 7-30, 2012
By Adarsh Madhavan
O
ff th
e wallSuburban angst
Is it only me?
I wonder, is it only me that feels this suburban angst about
life and living, or are you all in the same frame?
I don’t know how to describe it. But, if I am able to
articulate it in some way, I will be then describing myself.
That will be me out there, coloured in the same darkness
that clouds everything. It is not about wanting, or perhaps,
it is…longing. Longing and wanting, are they in the same
bracket, or could this hunger be of different pangs?
While people move on successfully, dropping what has
been overused into the dustbin, I am beguiled by these
feelings and hold on to what I should have dumped
long ago –things, feelings, need, people... I stomp the
toothpaste stick of hope even though I lost it aeons ago
and wait for something to come out. Air, nothing else.
What is this feeling, what is this hope, what is this
madness that lurks within me and I wonder is it only me?
Out there, are there people, just like me, mealy mouthed
and unable to foster sense into their being and burying
themselves in the riot of nonsense that they have clothed
themselves in to escape attention.
For, we, the angst ridden are always afraid of being found
out, of being discovered of our true selves – it is not about
being miserable or down, it is something more deep. We
are not exactly unhappy about our unhappiness, we are
secretly okay with it – we know it hurts, but we roll, roll
with the pain.
I am not sure, whether I should include you all, as though
I know your secrets, maybe I am right, but maybe I could
also be wrong and then it will only be me, feeling this
way. Unable to find, discover and understand what
it was all about that I am trying to unearth in this
stumbling circle of life.
I say this because I now need you to know that there is
something wrong, or that alls not well, and if you come
and shine a torch in my face, I am yelling out now, in
case I am not able to mouth it then: it is me…if you
find someone limping away in the darkness, don’t fire
– it’s only me – if you ever bump into a walking pain, it
is just me. Dislodge and continue.
But, now, I think I want to break free, perhaps, therein
lies the answer, although I wouldn’t bet my last baisa
on that.
Perhaps, it is like some disease where the good
doctor, who thinks he knows everything, tells you to
say aaahhh, peers into your eyes, taps your chest
and says tch tch tch. But, maybe someone might have
a hint at what ails people like us, and not just take a
shotgun and blow us to smithereens.
Yet, I don’t have any anger at those who want to laugh
at me. It is fine. Laugh. I am going to plumb the depths
again, but that is alright. I made you laugh, didn’t I?
Now let me be miserable in peace!
I am not sure of the right question to ask. And
perhaps, even if I did, I may not hit upon the right path
because as they say, I don’t know, I don’t know the
right answer. And no one wants to shine a light in front
of me and say, take that trek, go that way… or no one
seems to be interested enough to pull me close and
say it is alright, it is alright, it is alright…hush!
Off
the w
all
11Black & White
Omran was honoured with the
‘Corporate Social Responsibility
Initiative of the Year’ Award at the
Oman Construction Week Awards
for ‘Intajee’, the income generating
programme spearheaded by the
company. Held in the Sultanate
for the very first time, a total of
13 awards were presented by a
distinguished panel of judges in
efforts to recognise the achievements
of the high-potential Omani
construction industry.
Through existing micro-businesses,
‘Intajee’ empowered families residing
in Al Batinah to improve their
livelihoods by selling locally grown
produce. As a result, the programme
has helped farmers effectively
harvest, package and label their
goods, thereby strengthening their
presence in the market. All 40
families enrolled in the programme
received 100 per cent of the profit
their products generated.
According to Construction Week,
“Judges were quick to describe the
company as this year’s clear winner,
applauding its work in creating jobs
for Omanis, thus making an important
and valuable contribution to Oman.”
Abdul Wahid Al Farsi, vice president
of external affairs at Omran said,
“We take our social commitment
to the nation seriously and play an
important role in Oman’s long-term
vision for its tourism sector. This is
achieved by taking a considered
Khimji’s Watches plays host to the world’s finest time
machines, showcasing watches and accessories that
testify to a passion for perfection. The showroom brings
some of the most exclusive and cherished timekeeping
brands such as Rolex, Chopard, IWC, Piaget, Oris, GP,
Caran d’Ache, Mikimoto, Cartier and Vertu together under
one roof.
Khimji’s watches does not only sell these well-loved
watches, but also offers an in-house service workshop
adhering to rigorous international standards, ensuring that
watches are repaired in Oman itself, without having to be
sent anywhere else.
Watches are not just about time; they reflect the spirit of
the times. Each of these chronometers is crafted to reflect
a unique persona and style. If you are on a quest for a
watch that is a distinct reflection of who you are, look no
further than Khimji’s Watches.
Rolex
The world’s leading name in luxury watches, Rolex
maintains its position as the pre-eminent symbol of
performance and prestige by constantly developing
exclusive materials and processes to create watches of
uncommon beauty and unparalleled perfection.
Chopard
Intent on producing pocket watches and chronometers
of stature, Louis-Ulysse Chopard founded his company
in 1860, and the brand has continually turned out
masterpieces. Just about a century into its legacy,
Chopard was purchased by jewellery entrepreneur Karl
Scheufele in 1963.
Piaget
Since its inception in 1874, Piaget has been cultivating
the spirit of luxury by fostering creativity, concern for
detail, as well as totally integrated watch making and
jewellery know-how. Demonstrating a rare aptitude for
regularly surpassing itself, Piaget excels in all that is rare,
precious and exceptional.
IWC
IWC (International Watch Co.) has been religiously
practicing the fine art of watchmaking in Schaffhausen
for 138 years, setting standards in technological
development and highly complicated precision
watchmaking since 1868.
ORIS
For over a hundred years, Oris has been synonymous
with legendary watchmaking in Switzerland. Oris watches
are purely mechanical and are unique because of their
distinctive design as well as the red rotor, the symbol of
Oris mechanicals.
The complete collection can be viewed at Khimji’s
Watches in Shatti Al Qurum.
Contact 24699173; [email protected]
Omran wins ‘CSR Initiative of the Year Award’
approach to investing, developing
and managing a multitude of tourism-
related assets across the Sultanate
while championing initiatives that
promote sustainable development
wherever we operate. The real
measure of success is the extent our
projects impact local communities,
and in turn the people, their lives and
their environment.”
Khimji’s Watches – host to world’s finest time machines
12 April 7-30, 2012
International sports and fitness brand Reebok announced
its support to the efforts of the much admired Pink
Caravan breast cancer awareness campaign by
supplying the riders with Reebok apparel and accessories
to aid their journey on horseback through the UAE.
The Pink Caravan is part of the Friends of Cancer
Patients national cancer campaign and aims to raise
awareness of breast cancer to men and women across
the UAE with the purpose of encouraging the early
detection of the disease by providing the latest state-of-
the-art screening technology.
With ambitious plans to raise Dhs15 million the Pink
Caravan is passionate about developing partnerships and
engaging with volunteers who can support the cause.
“There is a natural fit between Reebok and Pink
Caravan,” commented Mark Greiner, general manager for
Reebok RBK. “Reebok is dedicated to enabling people to
lead a healthy lifestyle by encouraging sport and fitness
in their daily lives. By partnering with the Pink Caravan
we can motivate people to adopt these principles by
coming together in support of breast cancer whilst at the
same time raise funds for a cause which affects so many
people’s lives. I wish all the riders the very best in their
valiant efforts.”
During the event, Reebok will be seen on the rider’s polo
shirts, caps, wristbands, as well as, in the rider handbook
and Pink Caravan website.
The Pink Caravan will be riding from April 5 to 14 and will
be crossing all paths of the UAE.
Visit www.pinkcaravan.ae
Reebok partnering with the Pink Caravan
Following the success of last year’s
event, the Sultan Center in Qurum
is again celebrating the diverse and
delicious range of food that Britain
produces.
The ‘British Week’, held in
cooperation with the Embassy of
the UK, showcases a variety of
exclusively imported British products
and it is running from April 11 to 17.
This exciting week-long food
festival was opened by the British
ambassador Jamie Bowden, who
enjoyed a tour of the Union Jack-
themed store, alongside several
guests and TSC senior management,
tasting some of the excellent food on
offer.
Fawaz Diab, chief commercial
officer at TSC Oman, said: “We are
passionate about British products
and have gone to great lengths to
source some of the finest ingredients
from all over the British Isles. British
products are stronger than ever and
it is easy to understand why.”
From chocolates and groceries, to
fruit juices and cereals, Sultan Center
is bringing more than one thousand
products which will be prominently
displayed in the store throughout the
whole week.
The British Week is part of Sultan
Center’s ongoing commitment to
bring a variety of quality products
at competitive prices and offer
its customers a more enjoyable
shopping experience.
The Sultan Center presents a 7-day food extravaganza
Word
pre
ss
13Black & White
In recognition of outstanding
contributions to the banking sector
in Oman and the Arab region, Dr
AbdulRazak Ali Issa, chief executive
of BankMuscat, has been named the
Arab Banking Personality of the Year
2012 by the Arab Banking Union. The
announcement was made at the Arab
Banking Conference 2012 organised
by the Union of Arab Banks in Abu
Dhabi. Every year, the Arab Banking
Union honours one distinguished
personality in recognition of his
leading role and contribution to the
Arab banking industry.
Adnan Ahmad Yousif, chairman,
Union of Arab Banks, President and
Chief Executive Officer of Albaraka
Banking Group (ABG), said: “My
hearty congratulations to AbdulRazak
on winning this prestigious award.
AbdulRazak has made significant
contributions to the banking sector in
Oman and the Arab region, securing
major economic gains in the region.
AbdulRazak’s insight will further
enhance co-operation and business
relations among members of the
banking community in the region.”
BankMuscat CE named Arab Banking Personality of 2012
The Big Science Challenge
competition, an initiative organised
by the British Council with support
from Rolls-Royce, the global power
systems company, has concluded
with the announcement of the Omani
competition winners. Overcoming
stiff competition due to the high level
of entries, the Ka’ab bin Zaid School
in Muscat emerged as the winner of
The Big Science Challenge.
The prize include a week-long visit to
London where all winners to present
their entries in an international forum
followed by an exciting educational
and cultural UK-based programme
of activity. Paul Doubleday, Director,
British Council Oman, said, “ I am
very excited about the opportunity
that the Big Science Challenge has
given schools in Oman. Over the
past month we have had the projects
in our office at the British Council and
this has given me the chance to see
how innovative young people here
can be. The boys who have won the
Omani leg of the programme showed
clear understanding and creativity in
their science project being aware of
the need to preserve water resources
in the country and exploring unusual
but real ways of doing so. Well done
to Ka’ab bin Zaid boys schools.”
The Big Science Challenge competition winner
Mazoon Electricity Company
S.A.O.C organised a strategic
workshop aimed at examining the
processes and procedures adopted
by the review panel for the electricity
systems across the Sultanate.
The interactive session included
in-depth analysis of real-life reports
directly related to efficiency and
performance and also examined best
practices and solutions to enhance
the distribution system. Attendees
discussed recommendations
along with steps to improve the
quality of service and reinforce the
partnerships between companies and
authorities in the sector.
“Mazoon Electricity Company’s
philosophy is founded on exceeding
the established standards in quality
and performance. The company
therefore continuously seeks to
upgrade its systems and adopt
state-of-the-art technologies to
Mazoon Electricity workshop
provide the best possible service to
its customers,” said Eng. Khalfan
Nasser Al Rawahy, counterpart
manager, Asset Lifecycle
Management.
14 April 7-30, 2012
Mercedes-Benz has once again significantly upgraded
the G-Class, so reemphasising its position as the leader
among off-road vehicles. The interior is characterised
by high-quality appointments finished with exquisite
materials. The instrument cluster and centre console
have been completely redesigned. The driver’s field
of vision now encompasses a colour screen, between
two new round dials. The car features as standard the
sophisticated COMAND Online infotainment system,
including a navigation system. New LED daytime driving
lamps and new exterior mirrors bring a few discreet
changes to the exterior appearance of the luxury off-
roader. The range of safety features can be optionally
enhanced with the addition of Blind Spot Assist, the
parking aid PARKTRONIC and the adaptive cruise control
system DISTRONIC PLUS. New to the range are the G
63 AMG with an eight-cylinder biturbo engine and the
ECO start/stop system as standard, and the G 65 AMG
with twelve-cylinder biturbo engine. F rank Bernthaler,
director, sales and marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars,
Daimler Middle East & Levant, said: “Our G-Class has
been a force to be reckoned with for the last 33 years.
In its latest evolutionary stage, it offers state-of-the-art,
powerful engines, a further improved range of luxurious
appointments and the very latest safety features, as well,
of course, as its now legendary off-road capabilities. At
the same time the design remains true to its down-to-
earth, unmistakable style.”
T he new generation G-Class
Nawras has partnered with Grand
Hyatt Muscat Hotel to add a new
dimension of privileges to Elite Club
members.
With special discounts on food and
beverage and a new restaurant
reservation SMS service, the
partnership will provide unmatched
value to about 500,000 Elite
members.
During the press conference,
Nawras chief executive officer, Ross
Cormack expressed that Elite Club
cardholders and future members will
gain premium recognition from the
number of unique rewards offered.
“Grand Hyatt Muscat will play a
pivotal role in raising the bar in
customer loyalty experiences by
providing unparalleled services and
advantages for our current and future
Elite Club members,” he said.
“As the first and only telecom
operator with a full-fledged loyalty
programme in Oman, we continue
to introduce one of a kind offers at
international standards through our
roster of leading partners.”
Christoph Franzen, Grand Hyatt
Muscat Hotel general manager
stated, “We are proud to create
a strong alliance with a reputable
organisation such as Nawras.
Elite Club members can now enjoy
the convenience of booking at any of
our restaurants by sending a simple
SMS and have the opportunity to
sample our wide variety of food and
beverage services at discounted
rates.”
He added, “Our partnership
reiterates our joint commitment
to working with partners who lead
through innovation and appreciate
customer loyalty.”
Elite Club members can now send
an SMS to 97396666 for bookings
and reservations at any of the hotel’s
four outlets.
The message should contain
the date, time and number of
guests dining, and customers will
immediately receive confirmation of
their booking.
Nawras and Grand
Hyatt Muscat
partnership
Word
pre
ss
15Black & White
GUtech students will participate in European CAD student
convention - ‘Student Expert Network’ in Barcelona. A
group of students of the Department of Urban Planning
and Architectural Design of the German University of
Technology in Oman (GUtech) will participate in the
annual convention of the European Computer Aided
Architectural Design Project (CAAD) called “Student
Expert Group” in Barcelona (Spain) this week.
“We are the first group in the Middle East to participate
in the four-day event. I am sure, our students will be
proud GUtech ambassadors,” said Professor Aurel von
Richthofen of the Department of Urban Planning and
Architectural Design of GUtech. The four-day event will
feature intense workshops by the best lecturers in their
field of CAAD and networking with fellow students. Prior
to the convention, the group will visit Barcelona for three
days and study its rich architectural and urban heritage.
The ‘Student Expert Group’ is a project initiated by the
Chair of CAAD at GUtech’s parent-university, RWTH
Aachen University in Germany, and a leading CAD
company, Autodesk. In this virtual group students connect
through a portal to a community of other students of top
universities in Europe.
Gutech at European CAD student convention
Bandish fusion, an exercise in eclectic classicism by the fusion
band Karma, fronted by Grammy nominated percussionist
Subhen Chatterjee and legendary Grammy award winner Pt
Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, is all set to delight the musically inclined
of Muscat on April 19. This treat for music lovers is being
organised by the Jadavpur University Alumni - Oman Chapter,
and a splendid evening is guaranteed for all.
The alumni has made its mark in Oman with its multifaceted
social, educational and cultural activities. It has consistently
encouraged meritorious students through sponsorships,
organised technical seminars and orchestrated cultural fiestas
in this country. Over the last seven years, Jadavpur University
Alumni has hosted its own cultural programme Sanskriti, as an
extension of their popular university campus annual cultural
festival. The objective is to reach the cultural connoisseurs of
Muscat through a diverse range of programmes.
Sanskriti 2012 will open with Dantorango, a one-act comedy
performed by the alumni members.
This will be followed by Karma’s unique fusion of Indian
classical music and contemporary jazz, Afro-Cuban styles and
mediterranean music. To the initiated, Karma’s music and band
members needs no introduction. Tabla maestro Pt Subhen
Chatterjee and his famous team of musicians – Pt Vishwa
Mohan Bhatt of Mohan Veena fame, award winning singer
Raghab Chatterjee, wonder drummer Sambit Chatterjee, young
guitar virtuoso Suvam Mitra and keyboard wizard Shubhash
Mondal – promise an evening of soul-stirring melody fused
with incredible rhythm taking you to a whole new level of
musical rapture. Their musical style is an unprecedented blend
of genres combined with complex rhythms, in unusual time
Bandish fusion comes to Oman with Karma and Jadavpur University Alumni
signatures. It is a dynamic blend of improvisational
concepts rooted in jazz as well as Indian music and
harmonic influence from Western classical music.
In keeping with his highly original concept of genre-
blending in compositions, Pt Subhen Chatterjee, the
pioneer in this field of fusion, had specific ideas for
the instrumentation of the group.
Using Indian music as an integral contributor to its
overall sound, the band has evolved to what has
become its trademark sound. Fixed arrangements
interspersed with plenty of free improvisation and
space to jam. Drawing on the strength of Indian
classical music, the melody is rendered, sans
dilution, to create an exciting and modern sound.
The result is the electrifying melody and powerhouse
performance of Karma that has captivated
audiences worldwide.
Visit www.bandishfusion.com.
Entry is by invitation only.
16 April 7-30, 2012
Word
pre
ss
Muriya has unveiled a substantially
reinforced board and named a new
Ceo Chandra Lahiri takes over the
helm of Oman’s largest developer,
which is poised to make a major
contribution to the tourism sector and
to economic development in general.
Chandra Lahiri’s appointment comes
amid high-level organisational
changes both at the board and
management levels as Muriya
prepares to capitalise on current
and future growth opportunities
in Oman’s promising tourism and
leisure industry. The new Ceo will
be ably guided by a significantly
strengthened board comprising of
industry professionals drawn from
Muriya’s joint venture partners Omran
– Oman’s leading tourism developer,
and Orascom Development Holding
(Orascom) - the Swiss based town
developer. Leading the company
through its new chapter of growth
is a board comprising Dr Gerhard
Neisslein, Ceo of Orascom;
Hamza Selim, Orascom Senior VP
Destinations Management; and
Dr Eskandar Tooma, corporate
finance advisor. The Orascom
newcomers will be joined by veteran
Omran board members Hassan
bin Mohammed Al-Lawati, Wael
Al-Lawati, Ceo Omran; Eng. Abdul
Muriya structural changes
Qawi bin Abdullah Al-Yafai; Sayyid
Sultan bin Hamed Al-Busaidi and
Haythem Macki. Priorities for the
reconstituted board are to ensure
strict implementation of key business
objectives, drive operational efficiency
and fully capitalise on opportunities.
Eng. Samih Sawiris, chairman of
Orascom, will continue to chair the
Muriya board.
National Bank of Oman (NBO)
sponsored the first ever International
Conference on Genetics in Oman,
titled ‘International Conference
on Consanguinity’, held recently
at Al Bustan Palace Hotel. The
Conference, held under the theme
‘Towards the discovery of genes
predisposing to and protecting from
disease’, was organised by Sultan
Qaboos University (SQU,) jointly
with Bologna University of Italy. The
objective of the conference was to
discuss consanguineous marriages
(blood relations) and how research
has actually determined that they
can imply social advantages and
probable genetic benefits.
Dr Allal Ouhtit, head of the
department of genetics, Sultan
Qaboos University, emphasised that
there are only a small percentage
of disorders associated with the
offspring of consanguineous
marriages. These findings were
discussed with some of the best
international experts in the field.
Aisha Al Kharusi, NBO’s head of
CSR and corporate communications
said, “We sincerely believe that
we have a responsibility to give
something back to the community
in which we conduct our business.
It is specialised conferences such
as these that will enable members
of society to learn more about the
findings of current research on highly
relevant and important topics such
as genetic disorders and benefits”.
NBO sponsors Consanguinity Conference
In collaboration with the ministry of
social development in Oman, Qurum
City Centre recently played host to
Productive Families – a programme
that has been developed to help
foster entrepreneurship, while
showcasing small-scale businesses
from the local community.
Coinciding with the Gulf Festival for
Social Work – which is in its third
consecutive year, Qurum City Centre
has provided exhibition space within
the mall for 20 families – providing
budding entrepreneurs with the
perfect opportunity to display their
home-produced products, as well
as meet with potential buyers and
resellers.
To the delight of exhibitors, Sheikh
Nasser Al Harasi, Wali of Mutrah and
president of the Social Development
Committee attended the exhibition’s
open day, providing words of
encouragement, while extending his
support to all.
Qurum City Centre celebrates Gulf Festival for Social Work
17Black & White
A LEARNING CURVE
For the outsiders, the eight day film festival must have
gone off in a whirl. For us, the organisers, the people
in the background of the 7th Muscat International
Film Festival, did not move with that pace – it was an
unbelievable and unforgettable experience, the likes
of which we may not experience in a long time to
come, that is, if we are going to repeat this experience
again somewhere in the future (but, that is a thought
to ponder on at some point of time).
We may have organised so many events, but
never before have we gone through such a unique
experience. Each and every moment of the festival
was a learning experience.
We took on the good and the bad and smiled at
both imposters of fate. We were showered with
brickbats and bouquets and we braved the former and
courteously accepted the latter. What I am trying to
say is that it was not just eight days, or eight weeks,
or eight months…it felt like eight years of experience
rolled in just a span of 192 hours.
There was too much to do and so little time to do it. It
was one day of events, it was eight days. For just a
day’s event, people take months to prepare. For eight
days, how many months should we have prepared?
We were a small team and although we had more
than what we could handle, I think each one of us
learnt so many different things on our own. Each one
of us must have become something of an expert at
handling crisis now!
Each one of us seems to have not only gained
confidence, power, energy, but also the ability to
handle such an event in the manner it deserves. Next
Cinema has always managed to bring about change and it has brought in change for us. I only hope that some of this has brought in some change for the good for our beloved country
Mohamed Issa Al ZadjaliEditor-in-chief
In Black...
& White
In B
lack &
Whit
e
time, if there is one, we are going to handle it even more
adeptly. We learn from our mistakes and if we have
made mistakes in this event, inadvertently though, we
have learnt from it.
When I say we have learnt from the experience, I do
not meant to relegate it to only the film festival part of it,
or meeting stars or the challenges that we faced – it is
much more than that! Life is the biggest teacher and, for
us, the 7th MIFF has taught us so many things, I think
we are not just going to be better professionals, but,
better people!
Cinema has always managed to bring about change and
it has brought in change for us. I only hope that some
of this has brought a little change for the good for our
beloved country too.
Last, but not the least, I would like to thank and
acknowledge the commitment, effort and sheer drive of
people like Dr Khalid Al Zedjali, the chairman of MIFF
and the head of the Oman Film Society. Let me, in the
same breath, commend the efforts of Mohammed Al
Kindy and Qasim Al Slimi (key OFS members).
And now, for those who have not been able to attend the
MIFF events, here is a quick glimpse.
B&
W X
clu
sive
18 April 7-30, 2012
Thrilling eight days of MIFF Eight days of thrilling movie escapades, mind boggling performances, real time glitz and glamour, music, dance, drama and more drama…the 7th Muscat International Film Festival was an experience of a lifetime for all those who participated in it in some way or the other. Here in the next few pages, the Black & White takes the
24reader through the key highlights of the MIFF, namely, the opening and
closing ceremonies, the retrospective and the panorama sections.
Photos by K. J. George, Shakeel Al Balushi
19Black & White
B&
W X
clu
sive
20 April 7-30, 2012
21Black & White
B&
W X
clu
sive
22 April 7-30, 2012
25
23Black & White
B&
W X
clu
sive
24 April 7-30, 2012
25
25Black & White
B&
W X
clu
sive
26 April 7-30, 2012
26
27Black & White
27
B&
W X
clu
sive
30 April 7-30, 2012
31Black & White
B&
W X
clu
sive
32 April 7-30, 2012
29
33Black & White
B&
W X
clu
sive
34 April 7-30, 2012
29
35Black & White
30
B&
W X
clu
sive
36 April 7-30, 2012
30
37Black & White
B&
W X
clu
sive
38 April 7-30, 2012
39Black & White
31
B&
W X
clu
sive
40 April 7-30, 2012
41Black & White
B&
W X
clu
sive
42 April 7-30, 2012
43Black & White
Changes, no shows & cancellations
Listed below are some of the main challenges that the organisers faced during the eight day 7th Muscat International Film Festival (MIFF):
Change of venue from 5000-seat Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) Grand Hall to the 600-seat Al Bustan Palace Hotel Oman Auditorium due to student protest
March 21, 2012
March 24, 2012
March 20, 2012
March 24, 2012
March 30, 2012
No show by Agent Vinod stars Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor. Cancellation of star premiere of Agent Vinod as the stars did not turn up
‘James Bond’ Roger Moore suddenly falling ill and not being able to come
Tamil actor Danush (of ‘why this kolaveri fame’) refusing to come because of malicious emails received from Oman by unknown sender
Malayalam film actor Mohanlal forced to scuttle his travel plans to Muscat because of his ailing mother’s sudden spurt of bad health
44 April 7-30, 2012
Indiallia 2012 global business summit
By Dr CK Anchan
Dr Anchan C.K.
managing director,
World Wide Business House
INDIALLIA, a FUTURALLIA event, being held for the first time in India at
its’ commercial capital - Mumbai, will promote business and investment
opportunities in one of the fastest growing economies in the world.
The INDIALLIA forum forges commercial, financial, strategic or technological
alliances for fostering businesses internationally for leaders from corporate
houses, SMEs, entrepreneurs, exporters, importers, service providers,
professionals, financiers, technocrats, government officials, education and
research institutions and trade promotion organisations.
At the core of the concept, are a series of 30 minute, pre-programmed, one-
on-one meetings that allow businesses to quickly connect for alliance. This
powerful yet friendly tool matches the delegate’s profile with upto 12 potential
trade partners over two days. It is simply one of the fastest and most efficient
ways to expose your business to new markets and opportunities worldwide.
Futurallia have 21 years of rich experience of successfully organising B2B
events in various countries viz. France, Belgium, Poland, Qatar, Africa,
Canada and USA.
It is supported by: the government of Maharashtra, MIDC, IndexTb,
government of Gujarat, EXIM Bank and the government of Andhra Pradesh.
World Wide Business House is the Middle East Associate partner for this
great event. Dr Anchan C K, managing director of World Wide Business
House stated that they are extremely proud to be a part of such a great event.
He added that this was an excellent opportunity for Omani companies to
participate and expand the business horizon. Log on to http://indiallia.com
Managem
ent
talk
44 April 7-30, 2012
Announcing
On Friday June 1, 2012
On Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Grand Finale
Preliminary
329748516
174956823
586312479
712583964
943627185
658491237
835279641
461835792
2971643582011 C
onceptis Puzzles, D
ist. by King F
eatures Syndicate, Inc.
Difficulty Level8/10Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with
several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1
to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and
each 3x3 box contains the same number only once.
SOLUTION:
974851
7
6
3
5
2
9
7
96
849123
3
9
1
4
5
2
2
35
2011
Con
cept
is P
uzzl
es, D
ist.
by K
ing
Feat
ures
Syn
dica
te, I
nc.
By Dave Green
Difficulty Level 8/10
AJAY ENTERPRISESPO BOX 54, PC 100.
TEL : 24815485 FAX : 24815490E-MAIL: [email protected]
Website: www.albahja.com45Black & White
Guidelines & Rules
46 April 7-30, 2012
47Black & White
48 April 7-30, 2012
You will negotiate and
find middle ground. Hang in there
to discuss, argue, and make your
points. Don’t worry about order,
structure, or editing. Let your
thoughts flow freely. You can come
back later to rearrange and polish
them.
Beware of fast talkers
with big schemes. There may be a
considerable gap between the pitch
and the reality. Research and verify
any claims you hear. Trust is not the
issue here, honesty is. It’s intuition
that makes it happen, not simple
logic.
Time can be your ally, not
your enemy, if you are able to work
with it in a mature manner. You
can pick up a real bargain or two
over the next few days. Keep clear
of penny offers and smooth talking
salespeople. Enjoy your money, but
don’t fritter it away.
A time to reply to letters,
calls to make, and faxes and e-mails
that require responses. If you get
that brain of yours into gear, you’ll
be able to make all the deadlines. If
you can catch some enthusiasm, you
have a good chance to do something
constructive with it.
You certainly are a
generous person, but this may be
going too far. One false word could
create havoc. Your communication
and intuitive skills are very strong.
The support of an active partner will
likely be helpful along the way. You’ll
have exceptional mental clarity.
You don’t want to earn
yourself ‘a reputation for not knowing
what you want. While you are in this
mode, you should avoid making any
long term promises or commitments.
It is important to verify your facts and
ensure that matters aren’t growing
out of misunderstanding.
March 21-April 20
June 22-July 23
April 21-May 20
July 24-August 23
May 21-June 21
August 24-September 23
Your staARIES
CANCER
TAURUS
LEO
GEMINI
VIRGO
Horo
scope
EMMA CHARLOTTE DUERRE WATSON (BORN 15 APRIL 1990) is
an English actress and model.
Watson rose to prominence playing Hermione Granger in the Harry
Potter film series. Watson was cast as Hermione at the age of nine,
having previously acted only in school plays. From 2001 to 2011, she
starred in all eight Harry Potter films alongside Daniel Radcliffe and
Rupert Grint. Watson's work on the Harry Potter series has earned her
several awards and more than £10 million. She made her modelling
debut for Burberry's Autumn/Winter campaign in 2009.
In 2007, Watson announced her involvement in two productions: the
television adaptation of the novel Ballet Shoes and an animated film,
The Tale of Despereaux. Ballet Shoes was broadcast on 26 December
2007 to an audience of 5.2 million, and The Tale of Despereaux, based
on the novel by Kate DiCamillo, was released in 2008 and grossed over
$86 million in worldwide sales.
Your current imbalance may have more to do with
internal than external forces. If you hide from harsh facts or seek
escapist remedies in drink or drugs, you’d better beware of your
actions. When the going gets rough you’ve got to be strong and
not surrender to the first wayward wind that blows you off course.
It may feel like a week of ups and downs. One minute
everything will seem to be going your way, the next a minor
setback or disappointment will have you down in the dumps and
fed up with the world. Try to steer a steady positive course.
Somebody or something is pulling the strings in a
manner you haven’t wanted to address. They may be trying to
undermine your plans and sap your self confidence. You may
be viewed as a dangerous rival or competitor who can only be
defeated by deception.
Trusting partners and those you work with, is crucial.
There is a possibility of a shift or sudden change of plans that
could be very surprising to you. You’re very good at landing on
your feet though, so instead of resisting the shift, explore its
potential advantages to you.
You’re a force to be reckoned with but just don’t self-
destruct on the way. So many changes currently going on in your
life gives you an opportunity to re-evaluate your priorities. Once
you’ve pulled the threads of a relationship together, you’ll see an
interesting pattern.
You can make your point very well now, with clarity
and perfect persuasion. Ensure that the point you’re making
will contribute to the healing of the situation for all concerned.
Remember, you could easily be on the receiving end of your own
solution.
September 24-October 22
December 23-January 20
October 23-November 22
January 21-February 19
November 23-December 22
February 20-March 20
arsLIBRA
CAPRICORN
SCORPIO
AQUARIUS
SAGITTARIUS
PISCES
49Black & White
AJAY ENTERPRISESPO BOX 54, PC 100.
TEL : 24815485 FAX : 24815490E-MAIL: [email protected]
Website: www.albahja.com
50 April 7-30, 2012
MANGOES:the ‘king of fruit’
505050505050505000000000 AprAprApAprAprAprprprpprprprAApprAprprppprprpprprpprApprprprApApppppprprprAppppAprApppppApppppprppApppppprprAApAppppppppprprApApppprprAppppprrAprAAppppprrrApAppprprrrAprAprrrpprrrrrpppApprrrrpp iiil il il l illi 77777-37-3-3-3-33-377-377-3-33777-33000, 0,0, 0, 00, 0,0, 00 20120120120120201010111201200 222222222222
• The mango is a member of the cashew family of flowering plants; other species include the pistachio tree and poison ivy.
• The name ‘mango’ is derived from the Tamil word ‘mangkay’ or ‘man-gay’. When the Portuguese traders settled in Western India they adopted the name as ‘manga’.
• Mangos originated in East India, Burma and the Andaman Islands bordering the Bay of Bengal. Persian traders took the mango into the middle east and Africa, from there the Portuguese brought it to Brazil and the West Indies. Mango cultivars arrived in Florida in the 1830’s and in California in the 1880’s.
• Mangoes are bursting with protective nutrients. The vitamin content depends upon the variety and maturity of the fruit, when the mango is green the amount of vitamin C is higher, as it ripens the amount of beta carotene (vitamin A) increases.
• There are over 20 million metric tons of mangos grown throughout the tropical and sub-tropical world. The leading mango producer is India, with very little export as most are consumed within the country. Mexico and China compete for second place, followed by Pakistan and Indonesia. Thailand, Nigeria, Brazil, Philippines and Haiti follow in order.
• Mangoes contain as much vitamin C as an orange. • A mango stored at 55 degrees will last for up to two weeks. Do not
refrigerate. • Mangoes are some of the best sources of beta carotene; they contain 20
percent more than cantaloupe and 50 percent more than apricots.
51Black & White
Plane crashes…200 dead…20 grievously injured…Charming woman
dupes investors of 680 million dollars…Man swindled by relatives…
young get restless and wrecked…these are usually the headlines in
most newspapers, magazines, and television channels. This makes one
feel that the world is filled with thieves, scamsters, ruthless people and
noone can be trusted. In short a scary place to live.
…Man donates entire fortunes of 800 million dollars to charity and does
not want to be named…daughter of a vegetable seller has become the
managing director of a Fortune 500 company… childhood friends keep
in touch for the last 30 years...These are also some of the headlines in
the world media.
So are there two different worlds?
It’s just one world separated and united by ‘rose and its tints’. It’s your
view that makes the world appear rosy or black so why not look at only
the good and ignore the bad. Surely if there were only terrible things
going on would we all still be living and breathing, making friends, getting
helped by strangers, living our dreams.
Maybe bad news sells faster than good news and hence the entire focus
is on painting a terrifying picture. But it’s really upto us to look at the
bright side of things.
In an interview, a 100 plus man spoke about how “looking at the shinier
side of life" had helped him to live so long”.
This has taught me that rather than converging all our energies on
discussing the bad why not get that rose tinted glasses in our life and we
will see that the world is such a fantastic place to live and love in.
Till next time love and hugs!
I love rose and its tints
Vandana, award winning author (‘360 Degrees Back to Life')
By Vandana Shah
It's m
y lif
e
Vandana Shah, Author 360 Degrees Back To life, editor of Ex-Files. www.vandanashah.com.
Email me what you’d like to say on [email protected]
Follow me on twitter Vandy4PM
51Black & White
52 April 7-30, 2012
Shape n
sound
52 April 7-30, 2012
53Black & White
If you want to feel great under your own skin and feel
your best, you need to work at it. Especially when you are
40 and/or over that age. But, never feel down. There are
those who are 60 and beyond and still able to lose their
fat. What is important is to be pro-active enough to take
control of your body and your life.
Flabbiness does not feel good. Those who have been
there and experienced that know this fact very clearly. “I
was a flabby 40 something and I was going downhill in
every sense of the word. But, that same year, I dropped
my complaints and misery and started hitting the exercise
cycle like anything – I walked, jogged, did floor exercises
and lifted weights.
I slowly changed my lifestyle and made my journey
enjoyable and livable. And I surely did not lose anything
overnight, but then slowly I saw the changes and soon I
realised that flab and fat was just that – and if we really
work at it, we are going to lose it. Look at me, I am the
perfect example!” Virginia Toole, an interior designer, tells
Black & White.
Her tale is a positive spin to the numerous sob stories out
there of women who are stuck not only in their 40s, but
also stuck with the reality of their flab and fat bellies and
their dreams to get thin. In just three words, yes, women,
can do it! They can lose weight! Let’s stop making losing
weight a major mystery.
DON’T’ STARVE PLEASE
The first thing to do before you hit the road or the gym
is to understand that starving your way to weight loss is
foolish. Experts note that when you don’t eat, your body
would automatically think you are in starvation mode and
thereby start storing more fat than ever before. Don’t
misunderstand. Don’t eat too much, but that does not
mean you should stop altogether. Starving is not the
answer.
SLEEP IT OFF!
There are others who believe that if they don’t sleep,
they are going to lose weight. Surprisingly not! Experts
note how when you don’t sleep, your cortisol levels are
increased which will in turn increase belly fat storage.
So, don’t lose sleep over this – get a good night’s sleep,
whatever your size or weight!
NO SWEAT, NO LOSS
Ok, now you are doing the gym routine. But, don’t do it
as though it is a mere fashion statement. Exercise is not
about skimming the surface; it has to be more than skin
deep. There are plenty of women who stroll into the gym
and stroll out with little or no effort taken to bring their
weight down. Merely going to the gym will not help you
lose weight. You have to make the effort; you have to
work out; you have to sweat.
DISCOVER AN EASY WORKOUT ROUTINE
Now, ask yourself what is it that you really would like
to do in terms of exercising. Don’t go and start off with
something that is very difficult, complicated and most
importantly something that you do not enjoy doing.
If you want to workout, stick to something that you really
like to do. Find an exercise routine that you enjoy and is
not too time consuming.
Agreed you are too busy and you don’t have much time to
get into a proper routine, but then you can surely find time
to squeeze in a workout that is quick, efficient and would
fit into your daily life.
And when you do, stick to it!
DO IT WITH A GROUP
Now, while you are at it, don’t do things alone. Try to get
others into the fray and stick with them too. One group
should be those with similar aims jointly sweating it out,
and the others should be the support group who has the
ability to encourage and push you to break the fat-loss
barrier.
b u t n o t f l a b b yFORTY,
Both of us were going through difficult
stretches of life right? She queried.
Were we?
My mind was blank. Er, could be, maybe I
stuttered.
The last image of you I remember is tearful
eyes of yours, she said emotionally.
It was 93, right? When we parted?
I was totally guilty by now, how is it that I
don’t remember?
Looking at her, sitting in front me after
a good 20 odd years trying to pick up
from where we left, she looked the
same to me, same spirited girl, who was
enterprising, creative and was running
her own advertising company, a young
entrepreneur in the early 90s.
So what was I doing at that time?
While she was chatting, telling me
incidents in her life, connecting the last 20
years, my mind was frantically searching
for answers, images, incidents.
I had a TVS50, a small ‘moped’ we used to
call it, and she had a scooty, another small
two wheeler, we used to meet up at all odd
places, coffee joints were not there then.
Am sure we went for movies, but cannot
remember one name.
And I was fresh out of my post graduation
and a trainee at a local newspaper.
After that I remember lot of training
undergone, driving around, eating
together, visits to typesetter and printers…
Those were the days of bromides and dark
rooms.
Then what?
The difficult stretches in my life were not
too many or were they too many?
A terminal illness, a broken engagement,
a road accident, changes of residence,
death in the family, a sibling leaving home,
and desperate hunt for a job… the list
looked suddenly long.
I didn’t have to think much to remember
which one of the crisis would have brought
tears to my eyes.
All of them did. And yes, she was right.
All of the so called crises happened in the
early 90s! But, what was hers?
I remember she dropping out of the
college, but nothing more.
She was a quiet person, kept to herself
mostly, probably a good hearted soul who
never wanted to let you know the woes.
I did not remember much, that is what
years do to you I guess.
Erase what you don’t want to remember,
or should I call it selective memory lapses?
I am not a person who will forget any
single minute of my life, for bad or for
worse. The human brain is such a
complicated machine that will never let
you forget things even if you chose to! An
ordinary visit to a local clinic can bring in
all the two years of my life in a flash, not a
day amiss!
Walking back to my car, I knew no one in
this world can be alone, if you have friends
like her.
A chance meeting with her for a few
minutes brought back a good slice of my
life, good or bad, from the cup of coffee we
shared to the days we shared then.
These childhood friends know you better
than anyone else, won’t judge you no
matter what monster you grow up to… for
them you are still the little girl they played
with.
No degrees, no career, no bank balances
will change the relation.
They would still call you by the nickname
and ask you those embarrassing questions
you would rather not answer today…
Wish I could go back in time, in spite of all
the difficult stretches I crossed to reach
today.
Just to be the person I was then.
Sigh!
By Priya Arunkumar
Go back in time?
www.bankmuscat.com
Maintain a minimum balance of
100 Rial in your al Mazyona
account and win up to 30,000 Rial
every month across Oman.
Call 24795555 or visit a branchfor more information.Visit www.bankmuscat.com/almazyona
MY al MAZYONA ACCOUNT LOVES EVERYBODY IN OMAN”
“
* Interest bearing saving account also available. Prevailing interest is 0.5% p.a. & subject to change.* Conditions apply
30,000 Rial every month to 9 winners from governorates
3,000 Rial every week to 9 winners from governorates
al Mazyona annual prizeal Mazyona annual prize
300,000 Rial every quarter
1,000,000 Rial1,000,000 Rial