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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Agencies
August 8,2020

Dubai, Aug 7: One may call it good luck, but for two Indian expats it was God who prevented them at the last minute from boarding the Air India Express plane that crashed in Kerala, killing at least 18 people on board.

According to India's Civil Aviation Ministry, the Boeing 737 aircraft on a flight from Dubai to Kozhikode overshot the runway at Kozhikode airport on Friday evening. There were 184 passengers including 10 infants, 2 pilots and four cabin crew onboard the aircraft.

Noufal Moin Vetten, an Ajman resident working as an office boy in a Sharjah school, was booked to travel on the flight and had checked in as per schedule.

Recounting his miraculous escape, Vetten, a resident of Malappuram, Thirunavaya, whose visa was cancelled a week ago, told Gulf News: “I was handed my boarding pass, but when I reached immigration, they told me I had to pay a fine of Dh 1,000 (Rs 20,430) for overstay. I had only Dh 500 (Rs10,215) with me.

"I called my school PRO and he told me to come back. He said they would follow protocols and pay the fines before sending me,“ he said.

Vetten was disappointed and called his family to let them know.

“When I heard about the crash, I was saddened for all the passengers. But I'm so relieved I missed it. God has been really merciful,” said Vetten.

Afsal Parrakodan, a resident of Abu Dhabi, had a similar stroke of luck.

“My work visa was cancelled about a week ago. After getting my boarding pass, I was told I had to pay a fine of Dh1,000 at the immigration counter, but I had only Dh500 on me.”

“I was very keen to board the flight and be with my family. So I called a friend who brought me the additional Dh500, but by then, my baggage had been offloaded and the flight's doors were closed,” said Parrakodan.

“I was feeling very sad and called my mother to tell her I had missed the flight. But a few hours later, when I learnt of the crash, I couldn’t help but feel relieved and thankful to God for saving my life,“ said an overwhelmed Parrakodan who plans to fly back next week. 

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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
July 6,2020

The Chairman of Intellectual Council Jeddah, Syed Nasir Khurshid, called for a Zoom meeting on 2nd July, 2020 to celebrate the oath taking ceremony of the D K Shiva Kumar who took over as the President of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee. Mr Khurshid opened the meeting with a very enthusiastic and sincere note of congratulations to newly appointed president of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, Mr. D.K.Shivakumar.

The chief speaker for the evening was Saleem Khaleefa, vice Chairman of the Council, he said, for more than 4 decades, he is monitoring the politics of the Karnataka state very closely and also monitoring the role of crises management DK Shiva Kumar in the last 2 years, whether it is Rajya Sabha election of Mr. Ahmed Patel or managing the MLAs of Madhya Pradesh. He said, he is one of the best leaders of the party and the best leaders use “their brain, their heart, their soul and their guts.” And his leadership is fit in the size of all these characters. Growth is a very powerful word and fundamentally, party growth is the responsibility of the President and he can take a holistic approach to close the gap between and among the party cadres. 

Every effort is to be made to preserve the sense of unity within the party. We need to unite party base while appealing to voters. He should identify on ground challenges and find the mechanism to address them. He further pointed out that a President’s chief responsibility is to bring all the party leaders and office bearers on the same page with a Mission to bring back the congress party into power in the next assembly election. His smart strategies, road map, mechanism, booth management, better connected with the party workers, taking everyone along with him, will be a direction for the presidents of the party in other states to take party into power.

He pronounced his leadership is totally remarkable and has a track record of his very sensible leadership and he also known for his collaborative and crises management leadership style. Engr. Nasir suggested that his first task is to address the formidable challenges faced by the party and bring the Congress members together, on a very single aspect how to win the election. The party backbone and strength is gross-root workers who can play a significant role to take the party in a very strong and popular position in public. He emphasized that unity is the main strategy and ingredient to win the election, because a party divided will hurt, cannot win the election. Planning is everything and a good planning goes a long way, helping to win the election.  

All the members of the Council expressed their views and everyone is very much hopeful that he is the right person to lead the party from top.He has commanded immense respect from party workers, office bearers, all communities, groups, including opposition parties. He is a very experienced, have immense experience and hard-work leader and he is a strategist and knows the art how to motivate the party workers and unite all in a single rope.

Engr. Amjad Ali said, we are very much confident that he will re-structure from bottom to top, panchyat, taluka and district committees will be re-structured and will induct caliber and talented leaders who can understand and realize their responsibilities and accountability as head of the party at their levels with only one point how to win the coming election with thumping majority.

One of key members of the Council, Sajid Shaikh expressed joyfully that every single member of the party have confidence on the leadership of Mr. D.K Shiva Kumar and his appointment to the top position says a lot of nice things about him.  He has shown his great leadership and expert in crises management on many occasion.  The party in Karnataka is in good hands and I am sure he will sort-out all the difference between and among the party leaders and cadres, which has hurt the party in the last election and will bring all on the same page. Congress party and its workers are lucky to have such a passionate and hardworking president who is ready to work day in and day out to bring party in power in 2023 assembly election.

Prominent members of the Council, Engr. Azher Parvaiz, Engr. Abdul Wahid, Hazrat Qadri, Engr. Abdul Ameed, Saleem Khan, and Rafiuddin Kharadi commented, we looking forward his dynamic and result oriented leadership in organizing and re-shaping the party in the state, he will hold all congressmen together with a noble purpose, motivate every party worker to work with dedication so that congress can come back to power with absolute majority and he can count on our absolute support in booth management as well  suggest a few points to be included in the manifestos, running a high  successful voltage campaign highlighting the failure of the BJP government at the Center and at the state, between and among in the NRIs community across the Gulf Countries, including Europe and America. Council will do the value-based politics and will present the image of the Congress party, as the rational political party, with secular and inclusive, where people of all religions, caste, race and gender, feel wanted in the party, as its main ideology.

Syed Nasir Khurshid thanked entire team for attending the meeting he expressed his gratitude towards Vice Chairman of the council Saleem Khaleefa for speaking as chief speaker and giving updates, he said, team members are excited to meet in person with Mr. D.K. Shiva Kumar, when members visit India during their vacation.

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