Cerebral splendor marks AMPS Brain-Hunt Quiz

[email protected] (By Shameer Ahmed Kudroli (with inputs from AMPS Committee))
February 9, 2013

quiz

Dammam, Feb 9: At the 2012 London Paralympics opening, the great Stephen Hawking said - 'We live in a universe governed by rational laws that we can discover and understand. Look up at the stars, and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see, and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious".  A popular edutainment program to   create an inquisitive mindset among children and impart awareness of the brave new world is to organize quality Quiz contests. True to the spirit, this year too AMPS showcased the grandest quiz show in the Kingdom which proved to be interactive, educational and gripping.

With a reputation among the students as "the most eagerly awaited  edifying event" , the annual  "Brain Hunt World quiz" organized by Association of Malayalee Professionals in Saudi Arabia (AMPS) in Jubail attracts hundreds of talented whiz kids from Indian schools all over the Kingdom every year.

More than 300 Grade 8-12 students from International Indian School-Dammam, International Indian School-Jubail, Al-Khozama International Indian School-Dammam and Al-Yasmeen International School-Riyadh participated in the contest. "We at AMPS have always been at the forefront when it comes to organizing events fostering innate talent and creativity of children in Saudi Arabia", echoed gratifyingly Mr. VCS Nair , the president of AMPS.

The AMPS quiz competition has since 2004 become an annual spectacle for the students, teachers and quiz enthusiasts in the Eastern Province. Its organizers - all top Indian professionals working in the leading multinational companies and Saudi corporations- have won accolades for the event’s top-notch quality.

The seasoned Quizmaster of the show, dubbed as Derek O'Brien of Saudi Arabia,  was Mr. P.G.R. Nair. A distinguished Toastmaster and  Staff Process Engineer of SAFCO, he conducted the quiz  with matchless mastery. His informal style and emotional rapport with the audience never led to a lull moment. As extolled by IISJ school principal Syed  Hameed, "I  think Mr. Nair surpassed all known Quiz Masters.  I was  one of the admirers of my own student   from K.V.  IIT Madras Mr.Siddarth Basu who made Quiz popular on Indian TV during 1980 and 85s.  Now he  is  no more on my mind map.  It is PGR's inimitable style and endless endurance in handling the students that  has pleased me.

The quiz format itself comprised of eight rounds and was a good mix of all things under the universe. Sports, science, current affairs, history, literature — you name the subject and it was covered in the variety of questions posed to the contestants . The unanswered questions were passed on to the audience with attractive spot prizes for correct answers . The theme based rounds carried attractive titles such as “ Trace the Trivia”, “Know the News”, “Buzz the Buzzer”, “Spot the Sport”  and “Mind the Music”  .

The questions were imaginatively framed and spoke volume on the quality of  visualization behind it.  Some captivating questions were : Which Product uses Mexican free-tailed bat as its logo ? (Bacardi) . The 200th anniversary of the first publication of which famed classic well-known to children was celebrated in 2012? (Grimm’s fairy tales) . Which great Jazz player’s son is named after Pandit Ravi Shankar ? (John Coltrane).  Which Organization did Lance Armstrong work for  and defraud in his disgraceful journey  wearing yellow jersey? (US Postal Service) . According to the statistics provided by NASA’s  Kepler spacecraft this year,  how many earth sized planets are there in our Milky Way galaxy? (17 Billion)

The “Face the Fire” rapid fire round, adeptly conducted by the Assistant Quizmaster Krishna Kumar Raghupathy, created many ripples though the winning team from Al-Yasmin School Riyadh comprising of  Mohammed Ameen Arimbra, Micah Wilson George, Jinu Jose had consolidated their  position by the sixth round.  The runner up team represented by Mohammed Aazim Khan, Sushil Vanka, Musaiyab Ali Mirza  IISJ bounced back with vengeance after losing some points in buzzer round while the lone girl's team comprising Sheetal Reddy Kauluri, Amrita Mohanty, Nandini Singh from IISJ came third.

Earlier in the day, about 70 teams took part in the preliminary written round conducted by  Ajith Kumar during which he posed 40 objective questions to short-list eight finalists.

Mrs. Sridevi Menon , director of Al-Khosama Schools addressed the afternoon gathering and distributed winners of 2012 Green Initiatives contests organized as part of World Environmental day. She also released the house magazine "AMPS Insight" . Mr. Pascal Grante, General Manager of MASA was the chief Guest and he lauded AMPS for its profound professionalism exhibited during the entire event.

A highly structured stage set-up and state-of-the-art quiz devices arranged by Krishna Das, V.C. Nair, Murali Krishnan, Syam Shankar, Satish Chandra Kurup and Babu Sebastian added color and oomph to the show. A unique Quiz template designed by Dr. Kamaruddin with an attractive brain-hunt logo looked riveting on the screen.  Registration Coordinator Satheesan KR and AMPS Vice-President Sakkir Hussain and his team managed the registration of more than 300 students and Indian community members.

Many prominent Indians attended the quiz including  IISJ Principal Dr. Syed Hameed , Al-Khozama School principal  Dr. Ravi Kumar and India Forum founder Waheed Lateef.

At the beginning the quiz , Manaoj Variath paid  a befitting homage to the late legendary Sitar Maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar. The quiz contest operations were engineered by Luqman Ummer, Vijay Shinde, Dr. Kamaruddin and  Murali Krishnan.

Mrs. Jalaja Menon and Mrs. Reena Sudheer anchored the event with panache.The secretary Prince Varghese proposed vote of thanks and the event concluded with the National Anthem.

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Media Release
March 2,2020

Kuwait: State of Karnataka is enriched with Daasa culture, which had contributed immensely to its literature, culture, art & philosophy. Daasa tradition in Karnataka was part of the Bhakti movement which flourished from around 15th century and it extended considerable spiritual influence over the masses. Kuwait Kannada Koota, a socio-cultural association for the people of Karnataka in Kuwait, organized its annual Daasotsava on 14th February 2020 in remembrance of these saints, thereby displaying the rich cultural heritage of the state. 

The program started with a warm welcome address by Mrs. Spoorthy Kamath, convener of cultural committee. Divine invocation prayer by Mrs. Vasantha Ashok and Mrs. Sandhya Arun set the trend for the event. This was followed by lighting of the traditional lamp by the 2020 executive committee, comprising of President Mr. Rajesh Vittal, Vice President Mr. Sandeep Chabba, General Secretary Mr. Praveen Kumar Shetty and Treasurer Mr. Pradeep Rao. President, while welcoming the gathering, spoke about the importance of Daasas in Kannada literature & history and briefed about the series of upcoming programs. Cultural programs started with fancy dress competition by Koota children comprising of all age group starting from infants to elder kids. This program stole the show as the efforts & time invested by children and their parents were clearly visible. 

2019 executive committee was felicitated by the current committee for wonderfully managing Koota affairs & programs. This was followed by the release of Koota magazine “Marala Mallige", comprising of informative articles, drawings, poems etc., entirely contributed by the association members. Event’s main attraction “Vrindavana Leelavarana", a colorful dance drama spectacularly portrayed by 54 Koota children, was very well appreciated & received by the attendees. Association children who successfully completed 10th and 12th were felicitated as a token of encouragement. Executive committee gave away prizes to Kids who excelled in the stage competitions held earlier. Audience was treated to a divine and melodious Bhajan program conducted astutely by the ladies & men. Koota women performed Bhajan Kolata, along with ladies bhajan, in a well-coordinated manner. Vote of thanks was proposed by the secretary of Koota, thanking those who contributed for the success of the event. Another attraction was a quiz competition “Rasa Prashne", conducted efficiently between the programs, by Mr. Mahesh Shiramgond. 

The whole event was planned and executed astutely by the cultural committee under the leadership of Convener, Mrs. Spoorthy Kamath. Public Relations Committee, led by Mrs. Suparna Dambal, welcomed the members in a vibrant & colorful way, showcasing a beautifully erected divine mantap. The event was sponsored by Unimoni, LIC HFL, VSPL, Geetherb, Kotak Life Insurance, Joy Alukkas, Lulu Hypermarket & Total Environment. The program ended with a sumptuous satvik lunch, sponsored by the senior Koota member, Mr. Ramachandran Seetharaman.

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Media Release
January 16,2020

Kuwait: The Fourth annual general body meeting of Mogaveers Association Kuwait (MAK) was held on January 3rd 2020 at Tamarind Restaurant , Abu Halifa, Kuwait.

Mr. Suresh Salian who was an excellent host for the day welcomed all the MAK members to the event & thereby invited all the committee members to the dais.

As is customary and traditional, the proceedings of the MAK AGM commenced with  Kuwait & Indian National Anthem followed by a prayer song sung by Mr.Santhosh Kunder.

The lighting of the lamp was done by the President Mr. Rajesh Mendon, Conevener Mr. Ramesh Kidiyoor the Management Committee members Mrs. Poonam Mendon, Mr. Kishore Kotian ,Mr. Arun Mendon, Mr. Dinesh Suvarna & senior MAK members Mr. Gopal Suvarna, Mr. Ashok Suvarna ,Mr. Shekar Thingalaya and guest  Smt. Prema Mendon who was on visit to Kuwait.

The General Secretary, Mrs. Poonam Mendon read the Annual Report of the activities of the association for the year 2019. While the Treasurer Mr. Kishore Kotian read out the financial report for the year, both of which were approved by the members.

Some of the major events of 2019 are as follows MAK organized its third indoor, National level Volleyball & Throw Ball Tournament under the title of “MAK Champion Trophy 2019 “ which was held on 25th Feb American International School, Maidan Hawally, Kuwait

As part of the welfare project Scholarships were given to First three Meritorious students of Mogaveera Management Schools in India Mahalaksmi English Medium School, Uchila & Sagar Vidya Mandir, Beach Road, Padubidri.

The outgoing members of the management committee Mr. Kishore Kotian, Mrs. Poonam Mendon, Mrs. Kusuma Girish, Mr. Dinesh Suvarna & Mr. Paresh Karkera were honoured with mementos for their dedicated service to the association.

President Mr.Rajesh Mendon is his speech urged all the members to be united He also assured the members, that management committee would support and provide help to any member who is in need of help. He urged everyone to Support & come forward for the upcoming event “MAK Champion Trophy 2020” a National Level Volley Ball & Throwball tournament which will be held on 25th Feb 2020 at American International School,Maidan Hawally, Kuwait.

Convener Mr.Ramesh Kidiyoor urged all the members to come forward showcase their talent and increase the visibility of the Assocation in Kuwait & take the association to the next level.
MAK’s Seniormost member Mr. Gopal Suvarna was presented with a florel bouquet to mark 75th year of his birthday.Our guest Smt. Prema Mendon was also presented with a bouquet as a mark of respect.

As part of the welfare project scholarship of INR.10,000 was given to Master Rishab Puthran Son of active member Mr. Srinivas Puthran who has scored 95.36% in S.S.L.C.

The Main attraction of the AGM was Bhajan & Kolata which was beautifully choreographed by Mr.Suresh Salian & performed by Mrs. Geetha Suvarna & Team. Audience were mesmerised with the performance.The participants were Mrs.Geetha Suvarna, Mrs.Ranjitha Pandari Kanchan,Mrs.Poonam Mendon, Mr.Arun Mendon,Mr.Dinesh Suvarna,Mr.Kishore Kotaian, Mr.Rajesh Mendon,Mr.Kiran Kuamar,Mr,Dhanajaya Salian, Mr,Manoj Amin, Mr.Neishant Salian,Mr.Nithin Suavarna,Mr.Sudesh Puthran & Mr.Prashanth Kunder .Solo dance performance was given by Mr.Arun Mendon.

Games were Conducted By Mr.Suresh Salian & Mrs Geetha Suvarna which was enjoyed by all the MAK members .Melodious songs were sung by renowned artist of MAK Mr. Suresh Salian, Mr.Jaya Kotian,Mr.Purandara Manchi,Mr.Dinesh Suvarna Mr.Dhananjaya Mendon & Mr.Kishore Kotian.

The returning officer, Mr.Nithin Suvarna announced the new managing committee for the year 2020. The group unanimously relected Mr.Rajesh Mendon as the president.

The officer bearers for 2020 are as follows:

President               :   Mr.Rajesh Mendon, Suratkal
Vice President        :   Mr.Sachidanad Suvarna, Yermal Bada
General Secretary   :   Mr.Dhananjaya S Salian, Malpe
Treasurer               :   Mr.Lakshmeesh Salian,Malpe
Cultural Secretary  :   Mr.Prashanth Kunder ,Malpe
Sports Secretary     : Mr.Arun Mendon, Boloor
P.R.O & Welfare officer : Mr.Jaya Kotian,Kinnimulki

The managment committee members introduced themselves, thanked and assured all the members for rendering their best service during their tenure.

President, Mr.Rajesh Mendon in his speech thanked all the members for relecting him as president.

Below Welfare Projects would continue as informed by the President

-Death Grant of IRS. 1,00,000/- in case of death of any active member, financial help will be provided to next of kin of the deceased.

-Financial help (Health Grant) of IRS. 25,000/- will be given to the members in case of serious health issues or permanent
disability or severe injury due to accident.

- Merit Cum Means Scholarship- Children of MAK members residing in Kuwait or India would be awarded Scholarship of IRS. 10,000/- for 10th Standard Students & IRS. 20,000 for 12th Standard Students.

Scholarship for Mogaveera Management School in India President, Mr. Rajesh Mendon also announced that scholarship of IRS. 7,000/- , IRS. 5,000/- & IRS. 3,000/- would be awarded to the First three Meritorious students respectively for the year of 2019-2020, for the following schools of the Mogaveera Community Mahalaksmi English Medium School, Uchila Sagar Vidya Mandir,Beach Road, Padubidri

The new management Committee welcomed the new year 2020 in a traditional way by distributing the “OleBella” (palm jaggery) to all the members.

Executive Committee of 20 members were announced by the President who are as follows 

Mr.Suresh Salian, Dr.Vikyath Boloor,Mr Divakar Kotian, Mr.Kishore Kotian,Mr.Kiran Kumar,Mr.Purandar Manchi, Mr.Neishant Salian, Mrs.Geetha Suvarna,Mr,Rakshith Suvarna,Mr.Srinivas Puthran,Mr.Nithin Suvarna, Mrs.Kusuma Girish,Mrs.Poonam Mendon,Mrs. Ranjitha Pandari Kanchan, Mr.Pandari Kanchan, Mr.Santhosh Kunder,Mr.Kaushik Kanchan &Mr.Manoj Amin Katapady, Mr.Ramesh Kunder, & Mr.Jeevan Amin

Followed by, A Sumptuous Lunch was served by Tamarind Restaurant.

Prizes were given away to the winners of games.

Mr.Jeevan Amin & Mr.Arun Mendon for musical Chair.

Mr.Sudesh Puthran & Mr.Kiran Kumar for Group Game.

Mr.Dhanjaya Salian,Mrs Indiara Purandar & Mr,Baskar Amin for Alphabetical bingo Game.

Mr.Sudesh Puthran & Mr.Vittal Sriyan for passing the parcel.

Mr.Nithin Suvarna & Mr.Lakmeesh Salian for Pillow Game.

Mr.Shekar Amin,Mr.Jayanth Kunder,Mr.Neishant Salian,Mr,Purandar Manchi,Mrs Ranjitha Kanchan,Mr.Arun Mendon,Mrs.Indira Purandar & Mr Arun Mendon won the Housie Housei.

Quiz was won by Mr.Arun Mendon & Mr.Ramesh Kunder.

Surprise gifts was won by Mr.Dhananjaya Salian & master Kanishk Kumar.

“Lucky Mogaveera” was won Mr.Jeevan Amin.

Beautiful Moments of the day were captured by Mr.Kiran Kumar,
Music was played by D.J Neishanth Salian
In his  vote of thanks Mr.Dhananjaya Salian expressed his gratitude to each and every member who supported to make the event successful.

It was totally a funfilled day for all the MAK members who enjoyed all the activities memories of which such always be cherished.

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Media Release
May 30,2020

Dammam: Indian Social Forum, Dammam, Karnataka chapter organized a "Live along with COVID-19" webinar on 29 May 2020 in association with HealthCare Polyclinic, Dammam.

The webinar at Zoom App. featured over 150+ resident Kannadigas from Saudi Arabia's eastern and neighboring provinces.

Dr. Shailendranath made a presentation on the program and gave useful information. Indian Social Forum Dammam, Karnataka Chapter President Sharif Joktake delivered the keynote address. General Secretary Irshad Jokatte stalled the program.

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