Black & white mag issue 60

Vol.4 Issue 60IIJuly 7 - August 6, 2013 28 Sha'ban - 29 Ramadan Those early days when the Holy Quran was taught under a tree and where values and mores, traditions and disciplines were taught by dedicated teachers whose prime objective was to mould the young impressionable minds to a better life

Iftar, promotions & offerings p14 World without cancer p52

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The right path p32

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Xclusive

Source: MoE

32 A pledge under the tree

Those early days when the Holy Quran was taught under a tree and where values and mores, traditions and disciplines were taught by dedicated teachers whose prime objective was to mould the young impressionable minds before them to a better thought and guide them along the right path to the way of life

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Bitter Batter

Cleaners dump into the sea Last time there was a complaint about people littering in the Civic Piazza in Ruwi. Now, we have witnesses of actual road cleaners dumping waste into the sea before the Corniche area

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Contents

personality12 Change change your life Are you ready for change? If you are ready then you can make it happen, say psychologists. It is possible to change your personality traits, they say.

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, Wadi Adai Ph: 24565697 Fax: 24565496 Website: www.blackandwhiteoman.com Editorial: editor@blackandwhiteoman.com Printed at -Oman Printers July 7 August 6

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World without cancer

Yuthar Al Rawahi is a one-woman army against the deadly disease plaguing many in Oman. As the founder and chairperson of the Oman Cancer Association (OCA), she has managed to help many here in Oman.

Editor-in-chief Managing editor Work editor Editorial Design & production Photography Advt. & marketing

Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali Priya Arunkumar Adarsh Madhavan Khadija Al Zadjali Beneek Siraj Haitham Al Balushi Priyanka Sampat

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Washing dirty linen

All about X, Y & Z

By Adarsh Madhavan Don’t, they used to say. They…those people that used to offer unsolicited advices to all and sundry...

Don’t wash dirty linen in public they used to tell me asking me to stop writing stories on Indian schools in Oman. I used to be flabbergasted by these advices.

What was wrong in writing about issues that happen in a school? More importantly, there were readers; and more than that my publication supported me on this.

You have an axe to grind, they would say. You have something against the school, others said. You must have something against that school’s official, many others said. You should write about the progress made by the school, one section said. Ignore the negative aspects, focus on the positive.

The schools have been doing remarkably well on the academic front, why can’t you write about that, other section asked. Still others used to say that I had no business talking about a school and issues concerned with that. I used to sit quiet and take it. I did not fight back, argue or even say much. I decided to keep mum because I did not have the heart to fight a verbal battle and then still go back to my office desk and then still file another story on the school that was in question then.

These thoughts rumble in my head as I read the daily feed on the Indian schools here. And this is again fuelled by a comment made by someone whom I know who was castigating the paper concerned about the stories done on the Indian schools lately. Why are they doing this, this person who knew inside about the school issue, asked me?

Why are they focusing on a school’s problems, he added?

So you agree there are problems, I retorted. My heart was with the paper that was doing these stories. Yeah, there are problems, the man spluttered. But, what is the point in writing about them? There are so many issues to write about, so why schools; why Indian schools in particular? He

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went on… I don’t think there is anything wrong in this, I made my stance. There is a problem and it is being written about. It is the truth, and it is being written about, I added. What truth, the man said angrily. There are lots of things that are unsaid, he said. C’mon, I urged.

No, I want tell you, he said, not falling for the bait.

There are certain things that cannot be said, he added.

Look, I said, I am not taking sides with neither the individuals concerned nor the school, nor the other bodies involved. I am only saying that as a newspaper, it has the right to come out with such stories. They are stories probing for the truth, and the writer concerned is looking at both aspects of the story, without taking sides.

Oh, you are trying to now justify the story?

Well, why not? I don’t think it is wrong to take sides, I said. I am just defending the right of a newspaper and its journalists to write a story that they think makes relevance to the society that they live in. I am not taking any other sides, otherwise.

I think you also have an axe to grind, the man said angrily. I think you have something against the school.

I think you have something against these officials; I think you have something against the individuals concerned…

Why can’t you write about the progress made by the school? Why write about the problems? Why focus on the dirt? Is that the only thing worth writing about?

Why do you have to wash dirty linen in public? What is the purpose of raking such issues?

I watched him as he ranted and raved, my mouth open.

I wanted to tell him that by far this was one of the most interesting news on the local front for a large segment of the community. In fact that was the reason why were discussing it, I told him. If it wasn’t interesting, we would not be talking about it, I added. And then I drew the final nail: and what do you think we are doing? We are also washing dirty linen… editor@blackandwhiteoman.com

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Mail your views and opinions at editor@blackandwhiteoman.com

Sincere commitment to charity Kudos to those behind the I Wish initiative, who are all out to bring happiness on the faces of terminally ill small angels of our society in Oman.

May Allah bless them all and give us strength too, to sincerely support all such kind of ongoing charity initiatives in Oman and in other parts of the world, where ever it is needed. Charity of all kinds is the integral teaching of Islam and considered as a loan to Almighty, which He has promised to return back on the Day of Judgment in many multiples of it. We must lend our hands towards charity with the best means available with us, no matter even if it is a seed of dates, in case we have nothing else to support this noble cause. Our sincere commitment towards charity must go on to bring smiles on the sad and depressed faces of those who are in need!

Mohammad Osama Rawat, Ruwi

Readers column

I wish‌ I wish all children currently suffering from cancer will soon find a cure. I wish Oman is free of all type of cancer.

I wish that the world is soon free of all cancer; all diseases.

I wish...

Anjelina Thomas, Muscat

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Emphatic roles played by Omani women Em Oman Om has taken a great step in attempting to educate its women.

Within years Oman will have a women force that wom the country would be proud of. Oman is already known as a country that takes special care of its women and gives co equal equ opportunities. Clear evidence of that is seen in the emphatic roles that Omani women play here. We have top emp Omani businesswomen, as well as those in high-ranking Om

government positions, including roles as ministers. Of course, like in any other developing country, there is a great need to educate the rest of the women population and Oman has made a very serious start, so let us all do our bit to contribute to this efforts.

Suleiman Al Mandhry, Azaiba

What’s wrong in lying?

Wh Apr Apropos to the letter (Young at heart; issue 58), I would like to ask in retort, what is the big deal about women lying about their age? What is wrong if women lie about their abo age? age Is it a crime? The letter writer and also the article (Never Ask a Lady…issue 57) seem to make a big noise about the fact that women lie about their age. It is commonly known

that women lie about their age, but it is uncommon to see this fact treated as though it is some kind of a major issue.

Is it a big problem? Don’t we have other things to talk about, please? Why drag women into such non controversies and then make it into a controversy?

Darlene Waters, Qurum

On Barack Obama’s O

second inauguration

By Jalal Uddin Khan

Eve time I see thou on the screen or in print Every hear others speak about or remember thou Or h When I’m alone, in public or in solitude, Whe get emotional, often with wet eyes— I ge That’s how I react, spontaneously, Tha how thou made history, To h From thine birth all the way to the White House.

With thou down the Pennsylvania Avenue There is a new resonance to Whitman’s Leaves of Grass, The updated meaning to Emerson’s Nature An u Key’s fluttering and dancing star-spangled banner, To K new tone to the dreams of the founding fathers, A ne And the civil rights leaders.

The Kennedys’ last great stand, Bruce Springsteen’s last great performance, Bru Thou body forth variety, Tho Diversity, equal opportunity, Dive Thou art another statue of liberty— Tho Thou hast opened a broad avenue Tho On the high way of American life, Nothing less to the thinking mind’s high thought all over Not In success and strife.

I know I’m one of the millions In America and beyond, Greeting your auspicious inauguration, Celebrating with tears of joy What is in this personal as well as American glory, Different and unique, more precious When there is a lack of tears of pain, which, There being so much pain, Are left hardly any more.

Bright as the star, keep on twinkling.

Bright as the lighthouse, keep on beaconing.

Pleasant as the southern gale, keep on blowing.

Continents come together in thou As the races, cultures, and faiths do, As in a wide expanse streams and springs do, New world’s new superman, of Time, of Nobel peace, Thou art not just America’s, but humanity’s too.

Thine is a small step for thou, A long step forward for mankind.

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CHANGE

personality –

your life

Men read

CHANGE

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Are you ready for change? If you are ready then you can make it happen, say psychologists. It is possible to change your personality traits, they say.

If it can be done, there is nothing like that as it can actually change your life.

There are plenty of men out there who are unable to move forward because their flawed personalities have become such a dead weight that they are sinking with it. Such men who are at a crossroad need to make a makeover of their personalities and that too, in double time.

CAN’T MAKE PERSONALITY CHANGES But, while there are psychologists who claim that the personalities can be changed, there are others who can counter claim that personality traits are set by a certain age and cannot be changed. “It has been long believed by psychologists and laymen alike that certain personality traits are set by age 30 and they are mostly genetic. You can’t make personality changes,” they believe. In fact, that is a long held belief. “I might be born an extrovert or an introvert and then that is it. You cannot change,” says Aaron, who claims that he has been an introvert since birth and was not able to make any changes in his personality, although he did make desperate attempts to change.

YOU HAVE TO BE READY But, there is a growing body of thought and research that believes otherwise. “Personality traits do change; you can change your personality and characteristics; it is not easy, but it can be done.

And, I guarantee that it will change your life!” says Dr Pamela Dixon, a former psychologist. “But, the key words for that are: you have to be ready for change. And then you will find it changing.”

RAISON D’ETRE Research also adds more weight to this theory: it has also been found that personality traits change over time and that they change more in adulthood than in childhood.

But, says Dr Dixon: “It is not an easy thing to make a makeover of your personality. Also, you need to have a raison d’etre for personality change. And it has to be genuine. It should not be a knee jerk one where you want to make a change because you want to impress your partner or any of your family members. It may work, but it will not be long lasting. And it sure isn’t healthy!”

REAL REASON FOR CHANGE There has to be a real reason for change, adds Dr Dixon. “It has to come from within. Such need for change mostly comes from a crisis; either an

identity crisis or a crisis borne out of the pitfalls of the current personality that they are having. Such people need to change and they will go to any lengths to change it. Such a throbbing desire to change when backed by proper effort will make change happen.”

FOCUS ON ONE ASPECT Experts also note that focus is of paramount importance when you embark on a personality change. You have to focus on a particular aspect that you need to change. For example, you are people shy and feel quite claustrophobic when you are in the presence of too many people. Then, focus on this aspect alone. Don’t jump into the sea of people and make a fool of yourself, but wade in slowly. Take baby steps towards changing your shyness, advises Dr P. Murthy, a personality development expert. “It will work out better that way. When you slowly make the changes, you can attempt to make bigger personality changes!”

NO MAGIC WAND Dr Murthy warned that there was no magic wand to make us change our personalities overnight. “What we have to look at is to set small, reasonable goals. For example, if you are the worrying kind, all you have to do is make it a point to set some worry time for yourself. Say, you make it a habit where you will worry only during a designated period of time. If you stay focussed and are persistent, you will make effective changes in your personality, which will help you to worry less or become more agreeable.”

FRIENDS’ SUPPORT Also, please try to get the support of someone whom you trust – friend or spouse – to genuinely help and motivate you to achieve your personality change. Of course, you can get professional help – life coaches, personality developers -- and today there are enough books and enough literature on the internet which will help you in your trek towards change in your personality.

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Myriad offerings from hotels and restaurants

The Holy Month is upon us and with it comes myriad iftar offerings from the hotels and restaurants in town.

They are serving exciting offerings from Arabic themed iftar buffets to decorated tents welcoming the faithful, who have been fasting throughout the daylight hours, to make their sunset break a sumptuous repast.

Traditionally, the fast during the Holy Month is broken with dates and a glass of water, which is followed by special Ramadan dishes.

This year, some of the hotels and restaurants are decked up with an ambience befitting the Holy Month and an iftar suited for many a discerning palette.

From the traditional to the exotic, these five hotels/restaurants are packing a delight worth savouring:

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Radisson Blu The Radisson Blu is offering a lavish traditional iftar buffet with a full Ramadan feel, says Laxmikant Sawant, the hotel’s food and beverage manager.

“Enjoy the traditional Ramadan drink from our juice counter,” he enthuses.

“If you ask me what is different about this year’s iftar, I must tell you that we have a wider spread as compared to last year with a live shawarma station.

“We are also offering shisha, and therefore the fast breakers can relish a good shisha after a hearty iftar at the Lazy Lizard Gardens (Charges for this are

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separate).

The most unique aspect of this year's iftar is the live shawarma counter, a majlis seating arrangement on the terrace for shisha lovers," he said, adding that the hotel also had special packages for corporate and private iftar events. "This year we have started the early bird offer and it's having a great response so far."

Cost factor: OMR 13 ++ if booked before July 5, you can take advantage of the early bird offer.

Millennium Resort Mussanah The Millennium Resort has a fantastic Omani spread and all at a very affordable price, notes Reiner Thieding, executive chef. They have a fabulous iftar spread with a free shisha thrown in and 50 percent discount for children between six and 12 years.

"Also, for every 10 people booked, we are giving away one iftar free," Reiner said, adding that other highlights include an Oud player every weekend; kids quiz activities with prizes every weekend. "We

offer selected traditional Omani dishes and also our signature Moroccan style Heriala soup, which is also available as the vegetarian option to suit the healthy lifestyle," Reiner said.

Cost factor: OMR12 net (iftar per person); OMR35 (special room offer, including suhoor and free stay of child below six.

More Café More Café, celebrating its first Ramadan, has an exciting iftar spread, one which keeps changing on a daily basis during the Holy Month, a spokesperson of the café said. Here is a sample of their daily iftar: Minestrone soup, date and fruit platter and on the salad front, they have roasted pumpkin and feta salad, Tuna Niciose salad, fatoush and Penne pesto salad.

On the main course: Beef Mousakka, Arabic roast chicken, mOre braised lamb, vegetable biriyani, mOre mashed potatoes, Spinach and ricotta cannelloni, sautéed vegetable with almonds and olive oil and dessert: sticky toffee pudding, chefs selection of desserts from their cake counter.

Cost factor: 9.500 plus taxes.

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Duqm floating hotel/Veronica Those who are travelling to Duqm have a very special treat laid out by the floating beauty, Veronica. “For those who would like to stay on the Veronica, we have a very special Ramadan menu for iftar and suhoor,� says Sean Halliday, rooms division manager Duqm Floating hotel/Veronica.

The iftar dinner buffet includes: dates, fruit juices or laban, cream of split peas soup, cold and hot mezzeh, and main dish of lamb kofta, pan fried fish fillet, grilled chicken with lemon garlic sumac spices, pasta arabiatta and vegetable biriyani. Desserts include: um ali, semolina pudding, assorted mini cakes, pastries and fruit salad.

Oman watch

Cost factor: OMR10 per person

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For suhoor, Veronica offers: assorted breads, Arabic bread, croissant, Danish pastries, butter, jam, and marmalade; cold buffet, sliced beef, sliced cheese, sliced beef cold cuts, corn flakes and all bran cereal, fruit juices, fruit yoghurt, fresh fruit salad; hot dishes include omlets, scrambled or boiled eggs, beef or chicken sausage, baked beans/fav beans (ful medames), fried rice, potatoes and tea or coffee.

Cost factor: OMR6.500net

360 degrees "With tranquil yet cheery interiors, relaxed seating draped in spotless white, 360 degrees makes diners always feel welcome. Enjoy the most blissful moments this Ramadan at 360 degrees," says Abu Nasar Siddiqui, executive chef of this 160-seat diner, perched atop the ninth floor, in the heart of the city.

For Ramadan, 360 degrees offers diverse menu having Arabic, Indian, western , Asian, live Lebanese Grills by a Lebanese chef and an elaborate buffet spread from 6:30pm to 9:30pm.

A-la-carte menu is also available till 2am. "360 degrees is a brand new restaurant, we strive to offer the best buffet which changes each day of Ramadan.

For Ramadan, 360 degrees will be having an exclusive area for henna painting and soul soothing live music by an Oud player. At 360 degrees we have an outside seating areas towards the Hajar mountain with a beautiful mountain view or one can choose to enjoy the sea-breeze in the ocean side called as hydrolounge, all exclusive and away from the main dining area for relaxing and enjoying the weather with after dinner coffee and shisha Cost factor: Entire buffet spread is priced at OMR 12++ per person.

Intercontinental Hotel Muscat The Musandam Café & Terrace restaurant offers a wide spread Ramadan buffet that includes international and Middle Eastern cuisine.

The lavish buffet will include dishes such as lamb ouzi, hot and cold mezzes, refreshing Ramadan beverages, tantalising soups, salads and desserts!

“Let us make this Ramadan a special one,” exhorts a spokesperson of the Intercontinental hotel: Cost factor: OMR 16.500

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O

Running away…

wall he t ff

Off the wall

By Adarsh Madhavan There was a time when I was not running away…

I remember that. I used to stand still, put my arms out and embrace…my true calling. Yes, I remember that. Then, somewhere down the line, I put on my running shoes… I have been running ever since. Away from it all. Now I don’t even remember what that call was. Don’t remember my true calling.

And there are people like this out there. Lurking in the shadows of their past callings. Like me, they have buried it deep down, never allowing it to surface, stomping it down with excuses like, time is not right, I am not ready as yet, I don’t have the time, I don’t think it is feasible, I don’t think I can do it; it is going to fail…

I know. I have been there and have not done that. Most of us are like that. Deep down we know we have heard the call once; we fool ourselves into believing that if there were no obstacles in our way, we would be able to embrace our calling. But this is life. There will be obstacles. It has to be. And at the other end there will be family, children, commitments that we have to fulfill. So, then, where will you begin? How will you start?

But, then it is not obstacles. It is us. I know. It was me. It was not circumstances. It was not luck. It was not family; it was not commitments. It was me. I fouled up. I blew it. I ‘slashed’ my wrists; I self destructed. And so are you out there. You are your enemy. You are the one who committed hara-kiri; disemboweled your gut feelings; you self sabotaged. And now you are pointing the finger somewhere else.

Chin up. Take it. You are it. You can’t run away. Forget your age; your weaknesses, your failings…take that leap of faith and swim away from the shore. Bring it forth and save yourself from the clutches of mediocrity. You can’t run away from yourself anymore; can’t flee from your callings.

Connect once again. Remember the electric feeling when you had that lightning glimpse of what you wanted to do was laid threadbare before you; how it sparkled and it sent a thrill wave into your body.

The moment you realised that the impossible was possible and your confidence peaked. Then what happened, how did

the thrill end in a whimper; into a mere shiver of fear where your shoulders drooped and you hobbled along with the rest that walked away from their dreams; how did you suddenly sink in a swamp of fear and your knees felt so weak that it scraped the bottom? Why do you fear the unfamiliar? Why do you slither away from the unknown? The call is not from a monster in you; it is the highest possible that you can reach; it is the brilliance that is calling you out of the darkness; it is what you have to be, otherwise, this grinning gargoyle of excuse that you are clinging on to in a desperate attempt to stick to the norm, to the usual, to the ordinary will suddenly become the monster you now fear and you will see yourself bawling grotesquely in the mirror.

Break it. For there is no other way. You fear failure, you are afraid of being ridiculed, you are afraid of falling off the ladder, especially when you have climbed a height and your deadly procrastination will prove to be your undoing. And then there are others out there who have taken a parallel path; not taking the field they loved, but something close to it. Liar, fooling yourself with a fake star! You are not the actor, but the spot boy; you are not the singer, but the distributor; you are not the man, but the robot. I know many who have been hooked on to that trying to fool themselves into believing that they are partly living their calling. But, they are so wrong.

So wrong! Yes, it is either or. You can’t stand in the middle. You can’t be neutral to your calling. You can’t pretend. Also, in the same breath, turning in the direction of your calling is no easy task. It is a thorny path; you got to walk on fire; but it won’t be in vain.

For there will come a time when you realise that you are doing it right finally and it would feel right. It would feel good. It is what you were meant to do. It is your real purpose: you’d be reborn. adarsh@blackandwhiteoman.com

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Congratulations to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and the entire nation on the occasion of the 43rd Renaissance Day

Fate by the house of Amouage In the final creation that expresses the end of the first cycle of the Amouage narrative, 'Fate' for man and woman explores the uncertainty of the future and the universal principal by which the order

of things is inescapably prescribed.

In his latest conquest, Amouage creative director Christopher Chong proclaims a finale that parodies the force of the inevitable, veiled in the mysticism of the unknown.

Fate fragrances are presented in Amouage’s iconic clear glass-crystal bottles with a rainbow undertone with gold plated caps accented with an aurora borealis inspired Swarovski crystal. The elegant bottles are

housed in kaleidoscopic purple-toned boxes with gold foiled illustrations representing different interpretations of fate.

Bank Sohar wins award Cementing its position as one of Oman’s most dynamic banking institutions, Bank Sohar announced its latest win – the award of Fastest Growing Bank In Oman at the Banker Middle East Product Awards 2013 organised by CPI Financial.

Demonstrating excellence and the fastest rate of growth amongst its competition in the banking sector in the Sultanate, Bank Sohar scooped the prestigious Fastest Growing Bank in Oman for the second year running, establishing the bank’s increasing presence in Oman.

The prestigious accolade was conferred on Bank Sohar at a ceremony held in Dubai last month at the Emirates Towers Hotel.

Dr Mohamed Abdulaziz Kalmoor, Ceo of Bank Sohar accepted the award on behalf of the bank, while Abdulali Abdullah Al Lawati, senior AGM – corporate support, and Mazin Mahmood Al Raisi, AGM and head marketing and publicity, were also present at the ceremony representing the bank. The Ceos and top-flight bankers representing leading institutions from across the Middle

Max summer 2013 collection

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Max, unveiled its latest summer collection for 2013 across all their outlets in Oman. This year, they have made summer the hottest looking season with a range that takes on the latest global trends. Taking fashion to new heights and giving it a fun demeanour, Max has updated the classical nautical look and revived bright and vibrant prints and colours.

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East and Africa region also attended the gala event.

“Receiving this award for the second year is a singular honour for Bank Sohar and is testament to the commitment to ‘excellence’, which is the Bank’s core philosophy,” commented Dr Mohamed Abdulaziz Kalmoor.

Al Hikma International Medical Centre A popular business house, Al Hikma Group, began their new venture by opening Al Hikma International Medical Centre (AHIMC) in Al Amerat. His Highness Sayyid Faisal bin Turki Al Said, director general of marketing and media, The Public

Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development (PAIPED) officially inaugurated AHIMC recently.

“The AHIMC is a speciality health destination with state-of-the-art technology, providing medical services in various specialities. The

warm ambience of the hospital, its team of dedicated doctors and welltrained support staff will ensure that the best healthcare is provided to all our patients in Al Amerat area,” said Anwar Abdullah, chairman, Al Hikma Group.

Chrysler vehicles road-trip friendly In its latest issue, U.S. magazine Consumer Reports included Dodge Charger and Jeep Grand Cherokee in its list of the most 'road-trip friendly' vehicles.

In large cars, the Dodge Charger, equipped with the Pentastar V6 engine, was the highest-rated non-hybrid vehicle, while the Jeep Grand Cherokee - with the V6 engine - was the top non-hybrid mid-size SUV. The selections were based on driving range where the Dodge Charger came through with 675 km, while the Grand Cherokee recorded 692 km driving range.

Various models of Dodge and Jeep are available at Dhofar Automotive showrooms across the Sultanate.

Contact: 24584530

OMASCO Honda’s double bonanza for Ramadan A raft of special offers will delight customers purchasing a new Honda car during the Ramadan promotion. Available across the full range of Japanese automotive joy, each model comes with a host of attractive deals offering value to fast-track potential customers.

Ramadan promotion offer is available to customers until August 17th. The promotion covers all 2013 models of Honda.

In addition to the lucrative pricing, the specially designed first time promotion in the Sultanate will offer Honda customers a chance to win ‘Free first 2 Years Insurance’, ‘Free 5yr/100,000 Km free service’ and ‘Free first 2 Years Registration’ through a scratch card system. All the customers who buy Honda Car during the Ramadan promotion will be provided with a scratch card and lucky 30 winners will be selected

for each of the above offers. So in total 90 lucky new Honda Car owners will enjoy the ‘Holy Month of Giving’ in an exclusive Honda style. During this Ramadan, Honda brings an offer where everyone is a winner by offering free 1st Year insurance, Registration & 3 years / 50000 KM(whichever is earlier) service package on all 2013 MY vehicles apart from any of the below mentioned high value gifts.

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Karama Hypermarket opens in Bahla Al Karama Hypermarket is opening its fifth outlet in the Wilayat of Bahla, which is one of the heritage sites listed by the Unesco. His Excellency Sheikh Talal bin Saif Al Hosni, Wali of Bahla will formally open the largest Karama Hypermarket to the public in the presence of the invitees comprising top dignitaries in Bahla and the public. The highly ambitious chain of hypermarkets has already carved a niche for itself with a strong presence in the interiors of Oman.

As the inaugural promotion in Bahla, Al Karama is offering shoppers with a chance to win four brand new Nissan Sunny cars for every OMR 3

purchase they make with Al Karama.

“We are all set to put another landmark in Bahla which is home to many such iconic structures”, says Abdul Nasser Kuninkarath, managing director of Al Karama.

"The motto is best service, best quality and product, consistency in stocks and availability of bulk quantity 24/7," said the group general manager, Harish Rajgopal, while announcing the latest development.

Khafeef, Minara and Sohar voted superbrands!

Areej Vegetable Oils and Derivatives (AVOD) the manufacturer of Khafeef Frying Oil, Minara and Sohar cooking oils have been accorded at the Superbrands event held recently in Muscat. All three brands won the highly coveted superbrands title with Khafeef winning the brand of the year 2013 award.

Salem Bortmany, AVOD comments, “It is an honour that three of our brands have been recognised as superbrands in Oman, and Khafeef

has been named the brand of the year. At AVOD, our constant endeavor is to give the people of Oman the best products and this certification by a globally recognised

body such as Superbrands only reiterates that.

This achievement is especially remarkable as all the three winners embody the same attributes as Superbrands namely quality, purity and trust. The AVOD has championed quality assurance and customer satisfaction to emerge as the top market leader in the edible oil industry and we will continue to provide our valuable consumers with healthy lifestyle choices.”

Sizzling summer sale at Khimji’s Watches!

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Khimji’s Watches will be offering up to 60 percent off on some of its most popular products. Under a special summer promotion, Khimji’s Watches selective range of premium timepieces, accessories, sunglasses, jewellery and luxury phones will be available at never before seen discounts.

This promotion at the Shatti Al Qurum showroom will include latest styles for both men and women and is likely to attract many discerning shoppers who have a penchant for quality luxury products.

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Madhursinh Jesrani, general manager, Khimji’s Watches says: “This special summer promotion is our way of bringing a dash of luxury to the people of Oman.

At Khimji’s Watches, it has become our mission to ensure our esteemed customers enjoy the finer things in life and real value for money always. On behalf of the entire team, I would like to invite everyone to our showroom to avail this offer.”

Call 24699173.

Mazda Oman offers free AC check-up for all Mazda vehicles Towell Auto Centre (TAC) has launched a free AC and engine cooling system check-up for all Mazda vehicles, at its various service centres until the end of July.

As part of the campaign, a trained Mazda service team will check the air conditioning system in Mazda vehicles and suggest remedial measures, as required, to achieve optimum performance and comfort level.

Some of the benefits include free car wash on every visit, free AC top-up and attractive prices on

genuine Mazda parts and services to name a few. Speaking about the initiative, Kasber Johnson, national service manager, Mazda Oman says: “At this time, with summer at its peak, customers obviously want air conditioning in their cars to deliver top performance.

The Mazda free check-up package is guaranteed to give your vehicles a fresh start, ready to face extreme weather conditions with ease, making your driving experience comfortable and hassle-free. At Mazda, we are steadfast in our resolve to bring the best value to our customers in terms of total ownership experience”.

The offer is valid from June 1 to July 31 on all Mazda vehicle models and available at Mazda service centres in Wadi Kabir, Ghala, Barka, Bu Ali, Duqm, Sur, Ibra, Ibri, Nizwa, Salalah and Sohar.

Muriya appoints new Ceo Hamza Selim has been appointed to the position of chief executive officer, Muriya Tourism Development Company. In his new role, Selim will spearhead growth plans and be responsible for operating destinations Jebel Sifah and Salalah Beach as well as other development projects.

Prior to his current position, Selim has worked with Orascom Development in Egypt for eight years. He has consistently delivered exceptional results and has been instrumental in driving the business forward. In his most recent position as chief destination management officer, he was responsible for the daily business of the group’s operating towns in Egypt.

Selim comes from a hospitality background having worked with Hyatt

International for 27 years during which he held prominent positions in the UAE, KSA, Morocco and Egypt.

During his tenure, he also served as regional director of marketing incharge of the Gulf countries as well as the area trainer responsible for Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

In 2005 he was offered the position of managing director for destination El Gouna, Egypt, by the Orascom Group that he accepted. His experience and strong background in property marketing as well as his exemplary vision put Orascom’s flagship development, El Gouna, on the map as a model destination.

Hamza Selim said, “I am privileged to lead Muriya and appreciate the strong foundations laid by my predecessors and the team who

have worked together to develop the company it is today. Muriya is an innovative and visionary organisation – values that we will always continue to uphold. I look forward to working out the roadmap with the Muriya team on strategic objectives and tactical plans for the coming months.

Oman is a beautiful country and we look forward to creating landmark destinations that will be the pride of the country.”

alizz islamic bank appoints Mohammed Al Fahim deputy chairman alizz islamic bank (SAOG) has announced the appointment of Mohammed Al Fahim as deputy chairman to the bank’s board of directors. Al Fahim, an existing board member from November 2012, serves as head of finance at the finance and accounts department of International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC) in the United Arab Emirates, a position he has held since 2008. On the decision, His Highness Sayyid Taimur bin

As’ad Al Said, chairman of alizz islamic bank said, “I would like to welcome Mohammed Al Fahim as deputy chairman of alizz Islamic bank. Having worked closely with Al Fahim since the banks inception I am confident that his extensive experience in financial services in regional and international markets will play a pivotal role in assisting alizz Islamic bank become the Islamic bank of choice in Oman.”

July 7 - August 6 23 B&W 2 0 1 3

Pakistani Mango Festival at TSC Dr Hamed bin Suleiman Al Aufi, undersecretary at the ministry of agriculture and fisheries wealth and K.K. Ahsan Wagan, charge d’Affaires at the Pakistan embassy inaugurated the Pakistani Mango Festival at TSC recently. The mango mela, which is on till July 14, showcases some of Pakistan’s juiciest fruit in all their resplendent variety. Customers can take their pick from over 30 new and different varieties of succulent fruit that swell the shelves of any TSC center in Oman. There are varieties such as Dosery, Lungra, Chonsa, Sohnehra, Al Mas, Badami Pakistani, Totapuri, Yellow Rose, Rose

Mevvy, Anwar Retol, Fajree Mousam, Honey, Salory, etc. Commenting on the week-long event, Mahmoud Al Sheikh, marketing manager said, “In conjunction with our policy to bring customers the best in terms of variety and quality, we have sourced the most fresh seasonal fruit of the summer.”

National Bank of Oman salary transfer prize winners National Bank of Oman, has unveiled the winners of its salary transfer prize draw for May. Three lucky customers who have transferred their salaries to the bank won the prize of OMR10,000 each.

Prasad Oril Thomas, Ali Balash Shaban and Badriya Obaid Said, customers from the bank’s Bait Al Falaj, Ministry of Health and Shinas branches, respectively, have all taken home a prize win of OMR10,000 each. Members of the bank's top management team were present to hand over the prize cheques.

The campaign encourages potential customers to transfer their salaries

to the bank, giving them a chance to win up to OMR100,000 over a threemonth period. A minimum salary transfer of OMR300 is required for potential customers to enter the prestigious draw.

The NBO has been in the forefront in launching innovative and superior

products with customer friendly and attractive features. The bank believes in continuously offering value added services to customers with commitment to quality.

“We’d like to congratulate the three lucky winners of the salary transfer prize draw for May 2013. The bank is committed to meeting the demands of customers who embrace a strong savings culture,” said Abdul Qader Ahmed, DGM and head retail business. “Many factors contribute in driving saving habits, and with the salary transfer promotion, customers will be rewarded for adopting good savings habits.”

Wordpress

Nawras People Development trainers mentor Omani college students Trainers from Nawras People Development recently mentored 18 students from the Higher College of Technology Muscat who were preparing to enter the workplace.

During the session, the students learned how to formulate ideas and work together as a team to develop a project for presentation.

“Being able to express yourself accurately and with confidence is an invaluable skill that helps young people stand out in college and at job interviews. Team work and problem solving skills equip the students for July 7 - August 6 24 B&W 2 0 1 3

a variety of workplace situations and help them to prepare more professionally”, Usama Al-Farsi, Nawras Human Resources Trainer, commented.

“The session brought together students from different majors to

learn from each other and develop vital skills that can have a huge impact on their studies and can be carried forward to benefit them in their future careers. This initiative is in line with our belief and support of human development.”

Dr Mariam George joins NOVA Medical Center Dr Mariam George, a dedicated paediatrician with over 30 years of extensive experience in India and the Middle East, has been appointed as a full-time paediatrician at the NOVA Medical Center. Dr George has a wealth of neonatal intensive care experience and has honed her clinical skills at the Royal Hospital in Muscat. She has a strong interest in the care of children with special health care needs and adolescent pediatrics.

Dr George is available for consultation from Saturday to

Thursday, at the NOVA polyclinic behind Al Zawawi mosque in Al Khuwair.

Dr (Col) KM Harikrishnan, general manager in charge of NOVA Operations, says: “We are delighted to welcome Dr Mariam George into the NOVA family. Like other branches of medicine, paediatrics is an important one as it deals with the medical needs of adolescents, children and infants. Thus, it requires specialists with several years of training, experience and vast knowledge. Dr George has over

three decades of clinical practice and research. Her expertise will greatly strengthen our robust paediatrics department and help us achieve our goal of providing highest quality health care in Oman”.

Call 24475831/39 or 22030600.

Blood donation camp at Radisson Blu As part of their 'responsible business activity' the Radisson Blu Hotel, Muscat has conducted a blood donation camp recently in association with the Ministry of Health. The hotel invited the staff and the public to donate their blood for this good cause. The hotel arranged food and beverages for the donors. The hotel has been running this activity twice a year for the past five years. The final count was 43 units collected by this activity. The head of responsible business committee Adel Madkour at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Muscat mentioned that “we are all out to help the community of Oman in any ethical or social issues and we look forward to continuing this activity at our hotel.

Vale’s partnership with Outward Bound Oman The sixth batch of Vale sponsored students from Al Batinah has completed a four-day experiencebased outdoor programme entitled ‘Discover Yourself’ with Outward Bound Oman. The tailor-made expedition aims to bridge the world of education and work by providing students with the necessary skill sets to enter the workforce fully prepared for a rewarding professional career.

In 2011, Vale entered into a threeyear partnership with Outward Bound Oman looking to enroll 216 students into the programme that will unlock their potential and to date, 108 students from 12 schools in Liwa and Sohar have experienced the unique terrains of Jabal Al Akhdar. They were assigned a

variety of tasks, exercises and responsibilities that enhanced their problem solving abilities, developed their communication capabilities and improved their planning and organisational talents; all key life skills sought out by employers throughout Oman. Conducted in collaboration with the ministry of education’s National Careers Guidance Center, the ‘Discover Yourself’ course also encouraged these students to consider the rewards of volunteerism and how each individual can help bring about change in their own capacity. “As a global mining company, we have been trained to recognise talent and we believe that the Omani youth have a lot to offer. They are

committed, driven and have a vision not only for themselves but for the country. It is with this reasoning that we have dedicated our resources to building the aptitude of tomorrow’s leaders. In addition to supporting the youth develop their skill sets while still in the classrooms, we have also dedicated our recourses to grow the capacities of the national workforce and have therefore invested $ 12 million in training local youth who are now working at our operations in Liwa,” said Marcos Beluco, Vale’s country manager.

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Starcare opens medical centre in Al Khuwair Oman division of Starcare Health Systems UK announced today the opening of its medical centre in Al Khuwair, Muscat. Starcare bought 100 percent stake in First Medical centre located prominently on the main highway in Al Khuwair (earlier known as Welcare Diagnostic and Treatment Centre) for making high quality healthcare affordable and accessible to people living in Al Khuwair, Qurum and Gobrah region. Starcare UK currently operates its highly successful JCI accredited Hospital located in Mawaleh, Seeb. With an area of more than 8,000 sq ft, the medical centre in Al Khuwair is one of the largest outpatient medical centres in Oman offering 15 specialty care services and equipped with Digital mammography system, Bone densitometer, 4D Ultrasound scanning, in house Pharmacy, Laboratory and visa medical services. When fully expanded, Starcare First Medical Centre will have round the clock Urgent Care service seven days a week, which will be a unique, easily

accessible emergency care service for the neighborhood.

“Our aim is to reach out to as many communities as possible in their neighborhood itself so that people get more personalised care of high standards without having to drive long distances. This is the first of a number of such centres we plan to open in the coming months,” said Dr Sadik Kodakat, chairman of Starcare Group.

Turkish Airlines awarded Turkish Airlines, the national carrier of Turkey, has been chosen as the 'Best Airline in Europe,' 'Best Airline in Southern Europe' and awarded 'Best Business Class Catering' in the 2013 Skytrax World Airline Awards, announced this week at The Paris Air Show. Assessing over 238 airlines and 148 airports based on passenger input, Skytrax publishes and ranks aviation providers based on these submissions. And again this year, Turkish Airlines scored a resounding success at the 2013 Skytrax World Airline Awards, with air travellers voting the airline as the 'Best Airline in Europe,' the third year running. The three awards were presented by Ceo of Skytrax, Edward Plaisted to Turkish Airlines’ Ceo, Temel Kotil Ph.D. at The Paris Air Show.

The results of the 2013 World Airline Awards followed a survey operated over a 10-month period across 160 countries.

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The Zubair Corporation sponsors handball The Zubair Corporation sponsored the grand final of the handball league between Ahli Sidab Team and Muscat Team, which will take place in the main auditorium at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Baushar.

The sponsorship was announced at a July 7 - August 6 26 B&W 2 0 1 3

press conference organised recently by the Omani Handball Association.

Highlighting the handball sponsorship, an official spokesperson from The Zubair Corporation said, “The Zubair Corporation has always taken the lead in supporting Omani

youth’s sports talent. The sport of handball is constantly gaining in popularity across the Sultanate and we wish all the best to both teams, and we hope the audience will enjoy this exciting final game in the championship.”

OIKI’s super 10 black belts Ten students of Oman Isshinryu Karate Institute (OIKI) of Muscat Unique Diamond Training have achieved a unique distinction recently. All 10 have obtained their black belts, while one of them have also obtained a referee merit certificate, the institute’s instructor, Renshi G. Kumar, a 4th Dan black belt, with a penchant for breaking world records, said.

This was confirmed by Shihan Sudakar, a 5th Dan black belt expert from Isshinryu Karate, Chennai, India who had come to Oman as the chief examiner of this three months black belt training camp, held by OIKI.

themselves into getting their black belts despite all odds.

YOUNGEST AND FIRST The youngest black belt holder among this 10 is Vignesh, seven, who has been into karate since he

was just three and a half years. The third grade Indian School Muscat student took to karate like duck to water, says Kumar, adding that Srinedhi is the first girl to get a black belt at the OIKI.

The 10 students, with ages ranging from seven to 44, include: Anand Kumar K. P., Srinedhi T. S., Vignesh Vinod Kumar, V. Manoharan (second Dan), Nikil Thomas Abraham, Nirmal Cherian, Ashwin Arjunan, Karthick Raja Balakrishnan, Shiva Shankar S. Devinaraj and Ankith Utham.

GRUELING SESSIONS As part of their final test, the students had to undergo some grueling exercise sessions, which included running for 20 kilometres, which they completed in two hours and 28 minutes; holding their breath under water for just under a minute and other difficult exercises, Kumar revealed, clearly proud of his super students who had dedicated July 7 - August 6 27 B&W 2 0 1 3

SAMI YUSUF

LIVE IN OMAN AUGUST 30, 2013 SQU GRAND HALL More details soon Organised by Black & White and Bandera Events

First day at your job... are you ready

By Dr CK Anchan

Management talk

Congratulations! It’s your first day, and you’re so thrilled to have finally landed a position that you’re ready to start. So how can you be sure to make a good impression from the very first day? Do remember that everything you do helps create an impression, hence make sure you find out the expected attire. Every office has its own definition of appropriate dress. Pay attention to what other people are wearing when you go in for an interview. If you don’t remember, you can call the human resources representative at your company and get his or her opinion. You certainly don’t want to appear too casual, but you can overdo it the other way as well.

Make sure that you find out how long it is going to take you to get to work. Do not put yourself in a position of offering excuses for being late on the first day because you didn’t understand the traffic patterns.

What do you want them to remember about you? What do you want to be known for? Be sure to work on your eye contact, a pleasant smile and a firm handshake. All of this will contribute to the first impression that your colleagues have of you. People will be impressed with someone who takes the time and effort to learn their names. Use people’s names as soon as they are introduced. Say, “Nice to meet you. If you didn’t catch the name, or are unsure of the pronunciation, ask the person to repeat his or her name, and make a real effort to learn it.

Look around to see how other people organise their areas. If no one else has personal items or photos out, consider keeping your area clear of those types of

July 7 - August 6 30 B&W 2 0 1 3

Dr Anchan C.K. managing director, World Wide Business House

things. Keep in mind, if you look sloppy at work, people will assume you aren’t well organised enough to manage important projects.

Take notes; you’ll thank yourself later.

A surefire way to impress your boss on the first day is to show up with a clear understanding of what the company does.

Thanks to the internet, this is a cinch.

Read your company’s web site, its clients.

Web sites and any recent news articles about them. These info will help you to project right and confident image.

A little one-on-one time with the boss makes a big difference. Start early.

There’s never a better time to ask questions than when you start a job.

Don’t miss this opportunity to find out what you’ll need to know to do your job.

Clear communication is essential to a successful working relationship.

By understanding your boss’s communication expectations and management style, you’ll avoid some of the bumpy learning opportunities during the first weeks of a new job and jump straight into a smooth and productive relationship. Make sure that you stay focussed and listen carefully, especially when you first start a job. Everyone expects you to be happy to be at work when you start be positive and make sure to appear delighted to be there.

The best way to win people’s trust is simply by listening to them Show respect for their opinions and seek feedback on your ideas before presenting the, Especially when you start a new job, don’t be a clock watcher.

So congratulations and get started!

Wish you all the best!

In Black & White

In Black...

If you may recall, there was once a time when the learning or rather teaching was conducted under the shade of a tree. Children learnt with open minds and the setting was not limited to any four walls Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali Editor-in-chief HOW DO WE BECOME WISE? How does one become wise, someone once asked me? Simple question, but difficult to answer.

As I struggled to make a reply to this tough question, my mind went over several factors related to it.

We spend a lifetime acquiring wealth, health and knowledge and yet we don’t know how to comprehend the collection.

Most of us, in the earlier days, would have gone through the stages of learning from the Quran schools in this part of the world. Where do these schools stand today?

Are they the right step for the ultra fast, technologically forward younger generation? Is it not time to introduce a more facilitated and modernised approach to learn the traditionally proven path to a religious and cultural education?

Everything in life is about information, which is available in bits and pieces, strewn all over. What do we do with the data? Analyse it to make it in to a fountain of information, which becomes knowledge.

Once you have the knowhow, you become wise…this may be the basis of many management theories, but this is also the main line for life.

The youth needs to take the right path to learning, with interest and involvement. In this issue, the B&W team takes a tour with the Quran Schools in Oman to get a glimpse of how passionate these teachers are and how lively the young kids are in the current set up.

Islam says knowledge is beyond any barriers, be it age, gender or region. The first step we take is just a little one at an age little over two years…we step in to the Quran schools.

RAMADAN MUBARAK This issue also ushers in yet another blessed month of Ramadan… we wish our readers Ramadan Mubarak. Let this Holy Month usher in a wise month of healthy living.

If you may recall, there was once a time when the learning or rather teaching was conducted under the shade of a tree. Children learnt with open minds and the setting was not limited to any four walls.

Little minds sat together under the guidance of a wise teacher who taught basic discipline, prayers, values, how to grow up with the right attitude… these were the little step that took us a long way ahead in real life.

& White July 7 - August 6 31 B&W 2 0 1 3

B&W Xclusive

Source: MoE

A pledge under the tree July 7 - August 6 32 B&W 22 00 11 33

Abdulaziz Al Rawahi, all of three and nearly 20 to 25 children of his age were sitting under a Sidr tree facing a respectable looking bearded old man who was reading a verse from the Holy Quran. A faint wind murmured from behind the children and the leaves of the tree stirred slightly. The teacher seemed oblivious of the wind and was focussed on his reading of the holy book. The children, who sat in a circle around their teacher, were all ears. Nothing seemed to break the bond between the teacher and the children and despite their age, these young members who sat there could memorise some of the verses. The Omani kids of that age were serious – very serious – about what was taught under the tree. In fact, it was like taking a pledge under the tree; an oath. For that is what the Holy Quran actually taught them – the way to good life from birth to death and all ways to face, to live all situations in the right way – to make a pledge that they would live a life according to the words from the holy book.

“As a kid in my village in Sumail, I began my education under a tree, which served as a Holy Quran school.”

Abdulaziz Al Rawahi’s solemn words broke our reverie of an age and a world past, moments were time stood still and pledges to live a truthful, God-bearing life were taken by tiny tots who kept their promise, even when circumstances around them changed. Abdulaziz is the deputy director general, department of private schools, ministry of education. We were at his table seeking more information about the status of the Holy Quran schools in town when he spoke of his past education under a tree in the village of Sumail.

His brief anecdotes of the early days sent us all down the holy path, of a time in the past where youngsters were given the best of learning in an auspicious setting as the great outdoors. Those early days when the Holy Quran was taught under a tree and where values and mores, traditions and disciplines were taught by dedicated teachers whose prime objective was to mould the young impressionable minds before them to a better thought and guide them along the right path to the way of life. In fact, the Holy Quran, which the teachers used in good measure, was to show all the way to “good life from birth to death”, Abdulaziz tells us.

Children who attended these schools were actually ‘vaccinated' with the right values and tradition so that they could face the world and any untoward circumstances in the right manner. There were no two ways about it.

And like all Arab countries, Oman too has a long history of religious and traditional education. Before the arrival of Islam in Oman, the country has adhered to the Islamic faith, which constitutes a fundamental basis in the life of Omani citizens. While, yes, students were taught under

trees, it was the mosques that played a key role in Oman over past centuries in education as well as worship, a practice, which continues even today. Mosques play a vital role even today in propagating the Islamic way of education and life.

“The open galleries in mosques developed into places for the teaching of Islam, the Arabic language and basic arithmetic,” notes The Renaissance of Education in the Sultanate of Oman, a book from the ministry of education, which highlighted various aspects of the growth of education in the Sultanate.

“Many such schools were opened, for example the school of the great companion of the Prophet (Peace be upon Him), Mazin bin Ghadhouba, who learned Islam from the Prophet (PBUH) himself and the school of Al Jalundi ibn Masood, who appointed an instructor for every 10 pupils.”

According to the book, dearth of formal education before 1970 led them primarily to the education given by the Holy Quran teachers. Thus, as was noted earlier, the teaching at that stage was held under the shade of trees, in public reception halls known as sabla, in mosques or in the homes of teachers.

In the early days, discipline was of paramount importance and the teaching was held throughout the week (except for Thursdays and Fridays). Classes were held in the morning and got over by afternoon with two breaks in between. While one would believe that students attending these classes were very few in number, on the contrary, there were enough children to sustain a proper class. The group usually consisted of around 20 and 50 students, most of whom were aged six and 14. While this was the July July 77 -- August August 66 33 B&W 22 00 11 33

norm, there were many students who, like Abdulaziz has stated, began at ages of two and a half and three.

“Students who completed their studies were given the title ‘Khatim Al Quran’, which means the person who completes studying the Holy Quran”, The Renaissance of Education, said.

Those students who finished their studies were then asked to learn under qualified scholars, mainly located in the towns of Nizwa and Al Rustaq then. These two towns were then known as centres for scholarship. Other areas in which the students were taught included Bahla, Sinaw, Al Mudhaibi, Al Gafat and Al Hamra.

It is said that the students of that age did not get much in the form of subsidies and also, there was no set pattern to assess their quality of learning. “The ability to memorise the Holy Quran was the only criterion that indicated a student’s level of performance,” The Renaissance of Education noted.

Abdulaziz Al Rawahi

Basics at Holy Quran schools set you on the right path

B&W Xclusive

The basic years spent at a Holy Quran school sets the young student on the right path and helps them lead a quality life, says Abdulaziz Al Rawahi, deputy director general, department of private schools, ministry of education. “If a three year old child is taught to memorise some of the verses from the Holy Quran, that will serve as the biggest foundation for his/her religion and culture,” Abdulaziz said. Recalling his own time spent in a Holy Quran school, Abdulaziz noted how he learnt the basics of his education under the shade of a tree.

FIRST STEP TO SCHOOLING “In the olden days, young Omani children started going to the traditional Holy Quran school when they were just two and half years old. At the school, they studied the basics and foundation of writing, reading, hygiene and ways of life,” Abdulaziz said.

“The children in these schools were school trained, taught to read, write and also memorise the Holy Quran. If a small child of three can memorise the verses from the Holy Quran, he or she will have strong foundation of his July 7 - August 6 34 B&W 22 00 11 33

religion and culture.” In those days, most of the teachers were volunteers and they helped the school function in the best manner possible. “For a small fee, the school management provided all basic amenities and facilities including the books and pencils.”

DISCIPLINE, AN IMPORTANT LESSON Abdulaziz hailed from Sumail. “I started my education under a tree, which was then a local Holy Quran School.

I must have been a very small kid… Yet, I still remember that I walked three to four kilometres with my brother to attend the school. There were not many facilities for us then. The Holy Quran showed us the way to good life from birth to death and all ways to face, to live all situations in the right way.”

What was the most important lesson that he learnt from the Holy Quran school? Abdulaziz is ready with his answer: discipline! “I learnt punctuality, responsibility and accountability and believe these are lessons only traditional schools can impart. I am sure all those who attended or started their schooling under a tree or a

traditional Holy Quran school will agree with me.”

As children, all of us learn our basics from family members or elders in the family. “And what do they teach us?

Not a regular curriculum, they teach us the right way of living. The basic life skills are not spelled out in any curriculum, they are passed on as values and customs as part of the culture of the society we come from.

How do we know what is our basics?

What is the right way to pray? What are the right ways to live peacefully alongside of our fellow beings? No books can teach us all this. We need life experiences to be shared and imparted to us by the elders who actually lived the path.

“Once the children come out of the Holy Quran schools, they become school worthy and can step in to a world of knowledge with confidence and clarity. The kids learn the most important lesson of their lives: discipline. If you look around at the youth today, you will understand that most of them are impatient and busy.

They lack consistence and discipline.

So I believe basics years at a Holy Quran school helps us in leading a quality life that will enhance peaceful coexistence and prevent chaos in our lives.”

Source: MoE

Al Khour mosque school in Muscat, established in 1888

Source: MoE

An old photograph of Grade III students in Al Saidya school in Muttrah before 1970

88 Holy Quran schools in Oman Under the aegis of the ministry of education (MoE), there are 88 Holy Quran schools out of the total 480 private schools.

The Royal Decree 68/77 gave the MoE the authority to run all private schools in Oman.

This decree allowed the MoE to govern the private Holy Quran schools under an organised manner.

Until then all the private schools were owned and run by private individuals or groups.

The MoE ensured that all the private schools including the Holy Quran schools followed the aims,

visions and missions pre set by the ministry, reiterating the importance of imparting quality education to all.

It raised the bar and brought about a uniform structure at all schools.

The general framework of the Holy Quran schools as well as the selection of the teachers and the supervisors is set by the MoE. “The Holy Quran schools are a link to our traditions and culture for hundreds of years.

These were once the only schools available in this region and imparted solid foundations to all sects of the community and bound them

together,” said Abdulaziz Al Rawahi, deputy director general, department of private schools, MoE. Some of these schools also come under the ministry of awqaf and religious affairs too. Out of 480 private schools in Oman today, 88 of them are Holy Quran schools imparting education to young children the traditional way. The ministry also approves establishment of new schools too.

There is a committee set up by the locals, which has many committee members including ministry officials,” Abdulaziz said.

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A confident, positive generation – products of Holy Quran schools

B&W Xclusive

A Holy Quran school brings about huge and positive changes in children. “In fact, these changes can be witnessed in the positive generations produced by these schools,” noted Hatim Harith Al Abdissalaam, a board member of the Islamic Information Centre in remarks made to the Black & White. “I think there is a clear distinction between students who attend a Holy Quran school and children who don’t,” Hatim Al Abdissalaam added. Hatim, who is also a motivational speaker and a host of three radio programmes, is a product of a traditional Quran school. “It was quite a unique experience,” he says, referring to his time at a Holy Quran school where he was taught by a lady teacher.

Excerpts: What is the significance of Holy Quran schools; could you highlight its importance?

The Holy Quran schools were and still is a very important part in the life of a Muslim. It is the first station where the child is embraced with the outside world and it is where Muslim children get to discover a world of valuable information from a person who is not one of the parents.

The child also gets exposed to discipline and learn to do hard work. In many cases, they also understand the reward and punishment system.

The Holy Quran schools are the first ever connection with the divine words from Almighty Allah.

The child learns to read and recognise the words and symbols in the holy text; it is a journey where he explores his memorising capabilities for the very first time.

Have you attended a Holy Quran school and could you let us know what you have learnt from the experience?

Yes I had the privilege to attend a Holy Quran school. My

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meant for young kids who were not eligible to go to public schools yet or they were under the age of seven, so this meant that students will be there full time and they would not have anything else to learn except the Holy Holy Quran, while in our modern Holy Quran schools most of them don’t accept children under the age of seven and students will be studying there part time after school hours or during holidays.

I would say that the modern schools are better off in some areas such as the use of modern tools and methods of learning which enhances the learning process plus the comfortable learning environment and the professional supervision through qualified teachers.

parents are very traditional and from a very early stage itself they realised the importance of embedding the Holy Quran in the lives of their kids, so they decided to enroll us in a nearby traditional school, where we were taught by a woman.

I had a unique learning experience as I always felt the warmth of a mother with our teacher and the learning process was easy and enjoyable because of her tenderness and kindness.

The experience was beneficial in other ways: we always had a distinct advantage over students who never got the opportunity to attend a Holy Quran school as we learned quite fast in school thanks to our reading abilities and discipline. The reason for this is simple as these were

taught in the Holy Quran school by experienced teachers.

We had the command of the Arabic alphabet and we also had the capability to read while others were struggling to learn the alphabet.

Have you attended a private Holy Quran school or the ones that come under the ministry of awqaf and religious affairs? Is there a difference in the process of teaching in these schools?

Honestly speaking, I have not attended a private Quran school before, simply because in those days such schools did not exist.

From my point of view the difference between the two schools would be huge in many ways.

First of all the old schools were

Do you think attending a Holy Quran school would bring about positive changes in the life of a child?

The Holy Quran schools definitely bring about huge positive changes to a child, and these changes can be witnessed in the positive generations produced by these schools. These schools also serve as guardians of the children when their parents are at work or are busy earning a living. It also disciplined the children and taught them Islamic manners in addition to adding the value of knowledge.

Children also learned how to socialise with other children during their time in school which helped them mould their characters.

There is a clear distinction between students who attended a Holy Quran school and children who didn’t.

Moreover, this can be understood from the parents of these kids who attend Holy Quran schools. All of them are aware of the positive changes it has brought about in their children and they thank the Holy Quran schools for a wonderful job done in brining up a generation who are not only responsible and spiritual but also knowledgeable.

July July 77 -- August August 66 37 B&W 22 00 11 33

The right guidance

B&W Xclusive

Sheikh Nasser Khalifa Rashid Al Rubaie stood under a sweltering hot sun and beamed at us beatifically. While there was an air of strict discipline about this 78 year old man, his old world charm shines through.

He was standing outside a seemingly new building in the interiors of Khabourah and was detailing to us about its past.

“Come, let us go in, let us not make you all bake under this heat,” Sheikh Nasser said, at the same time bemoaning the fact about how today’s youth could not even bear a few moments in the heat. “I am an old man,” he said, pointing at his thin but wiry structure, "but I can still take the heat."

Sheikh Nasser was making these comments to drive home a point: the non existence of a clear moral ground among today’s youth and how the fast paced world was all so busy ending itself in a blur; instead of progressing, they were regressing, he said as he led us inside the historical building. Although it looked fresh and new, this was the renovated over 100 year old Holy Quran teaching school in Khabourah of which Sheikh Nasser was the manager. Renovated thanks to the monetary and otherwise support of the well known charity, Dar Al Atta’a, in 2011, this is an important site that is well on its way to boosting literacy among young Omanis, but also serves as a ready venue to impart the values of the Holy Quran.

Thanks to the Dar Al Attaa, which spent OMR36,000 to restore the old school, which used to teach the Holy Quran in just one room, the Bani Rabia Holy Quran school, is today a three-room facility with complete school related facilities and also an administration department.

Sheikh Nasser, while leading us around the premises, also lent an insight into the historical aspects of the venue. “These halls have seen more than 100 years of spiritual and historical aspects. Moreover, besides its modern facilities, which includes a library equipped with books and computers connected to the internet, the July 7 - August 6 38 B&W 22 00 11 33

building has an office for school administration as well as a kitchen, store area and toilet.”

The school, served not just as an arena to learn the Holy Quran, but also helped providing various other related services. Sheikh Nasser was himself a product of the Holy Quran school, which he manages today.

“I studied here before I left for a bigger school. In the earlier days, there was a small wadi with water flowing through and lots of lemon trees surrounding the school building. Our teachers taught us under the trees, with fresh air and birds chirping on. We used to sit under the trees enjoying the nature during the winter months, while the small building attached gave us shelter during the harsh summer. Mostly during the summer months, the school remain closed, but for some summer activities and prayers. “Thanks to Dar Al Attaa, two years back, this building has been renovated and many modern facilities are added on. We have over 60 students now. The school is a small one, so we can only accommodate limited students. The students are very enthusiastic and I believe it is in the hands of us, the elders, that the future of the young ones depend on!”

Children need to be guided and looked after at a very tender age when their minds are impressionable and

vulnerable. They tend to imitate their elders and if they don’t set the right example, everything is lost. There will be no future for the young generation.

“The future of the young ones was taken care of by the traditional Holy Quran schools that used to be under the trees in the earlier generations. Every village had one, supervised by the elders of the village. These teachers taught traditionally the basics of living, from how to pray, how to respect the elders, the importance of punctuality, discipline etc.

Earlier days the younger children used to be scared, and obeyed the elders without hesitation. So it was easier to teach them the importance of discipline and accountability. There was not much influence of the televisions, or social media avenues at home,” Sheikh Nasser said.

“I used to be a teacher too, so I know. Over the years the values and visions of the youth have changed. Sadly, today the youth seem permanently busy. They are in a hurry to do things, but have no focus on what actually they want to finish. They are always on the run, impatient to finish tasks that are of no importance.

Now we have to ask ourselves the question, where are the youth heading to? We are responsible for them. If we do not imbibe the right values in them, they will not have a goal to achieve. Short time goals will not take them anywhere.

This is where a traditional Quran school comes in to place. The young kids from the age of three are taught to come to the school at the right time, taught to read and

write, how to hold a pencil, how to speak to elders, what our traditional values are… this helps them understand our culture and religion in the right way. They are taught how to pray, how to keep themselves clean and how to eat. Many basic things are taught. Now with the advent of modernity, traditional schools have added on computers to their classrooms. Modern amenities are provided too.”

Shiekh Nasser in front of the 100 year old Holy Quran school, renovated by Dar Al Att'aa in Khabourah

Text: Adarsh Madhavan & Priya Arunkumar Photos: Ben Old photographs from "The Renaissance of education in the Sultanate of Oman" book by MoE

July July 77 -- August August 66 39 B&W 22 00 11 33

Fun facts on

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How much dew could a dewdrop drop if a dewdrop did drop dew?

July 7 - August 6 41 B&W 2 0 1 3

We have been thinking of it since quite sometime now.

Finally, we have taken the plunge to bring home to you some offbeat stuff. Here goes, if you like it, give us the green signal for more; if not, just take it with a pinch of salt. For this fortnight, here is some nitter natter for the B&W Bitter Batter:

Contros lack steam By the time this comes out, the dust would have settled on the recent controversies in the Indian schools here. At the time of writing, there is a spate of resignations by officials of a particular Indian school in town. As of now, it is a story that looks like it could develop a bit more before it dies its natural death. But, the point to understand is that all controversies die their own death after a certain point of time, a reader tells us, adding that no fire can blaze on without an end. Likewise in these school controversies.

“Remember last year (or was it the year before that?) how incensed the school authorities and a certain section of the parents were when a scribe wrote about the er nonacademic activities of some of the school students there?

The school and the parents concerned poured vitriol on the scribe and it looked as though things would reach to a head…and then suddenly it died a natural death. Such

is the nature of controversies, especially school related ones. They boom and blaze, but what they lack is steam to go the distance,” the reader says. Whew, thank God for small mercies, we say!

Nitter natter

Jab Se Tere Naina towel dance Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor’s so called ‘daring scene’ in the movie Saawariya was not really a shocker because it was aesthetically shot and cleverly edited. But, some weeks back, a media sales woman in town was unwittingly subject to a not-soright Jab Se Tere Naina towel ‘dance’ by a potential client of a company she visited to solicit ads. It is a long story, but in short, the unsuspecting but rather naïve lady was led to a flat cum office where after a brief meeting and discussion, the man suddenly complained of not having time to ‘freshen up’ and jumped into the bathroom to have a quick shower, following which he requested her, still dripping after his wash, to help get a towel on a chair in the room. The good woman obliged and then the be-toweled man (a la Ranbir) slipped back into the room and slowly dressed as though no one else existed there. The lady kept her cool and her eyes strictly to the floor and as soon as the ‘towel dance’ was over, requested him to be taken back to her car. Of course, nothing untoward happened, but the lady was shaken by the experience, for, as her other colleagues noted, anything could have happened. We were flabbergasted when we heard the story and while we may heap criticism on the way she foolishly followed this man to a flat cum office, we still feel that this towel dancer should be taken to task. What say you?

July 7 - August 6 42 B&W 2 0 1 3

Cleaners dump into the sea Last time there was a complaint about people littering in the Civic Piazza in Ruwi. Now, we have witnesses of actual road cleaners dumping waste into the sea before the Corniche area.

A reader who witnessed this one recent early morning jaunt to the fish market in Corniche was appalled. “I wish I had a camera with me to record it. It was early morning and I had gone to the fish souq there. I finished my purchase and was just strolling in the same area when I noticed some cleaners busily engaged in their work. I was thinking of how difficult it would be to work in the heat and was feeling quite sorry for them. Since it was morning, the heat was decidedly less. This was a good time to work I thought when I suddenly saw one of them go to the edge of the wall there and quickly dumping all the waste into the sea.

“As I stood there shocked, I saw one more cleaner do the same. It took me some time to register it but it all sank in

when I saw the ugly and dismal scene on the crystal clear water, which was now fully polluted and dirty. How can anyone allow this to happen? Since it was early in the day, no one – save for me – saw it! I am going to complaint to the authorities concerned!” We hope this reader does complain; otherwise, we are going to.

Parking check Parking is a problem all of us face in many areas in Muscat. Even at our office building, Hatat House. But, what took the cake was when a client whom we were waiting for the other day called us up from below and said he was running late because he could not get a parking. We knew this happens, because even most of us have used this as an excuse when we run in late to office: “Actually, I am down here since the last 15 minutes – couldn’t find a parking!”

But, coming back to the client: he made an unusual request, asking us to scour the area from our second floor window and see if we could find any parking spot. “Since you are on top you will be able to see if there are any parking areas,” the man said and we obliged. Minutes later we managed to see a parked car moving slowly in the third row and we alerted the client. Humph, the things we do for our clients!

(Note: Readers who have something bitter to chatter about can either email on editor@blackandwhiteoman.com or call 99218461)

July 7 - August 6 43 B&W 2 0 1 3

Your ARIES March 21-April 20 You can get a lot done, basically, just as long as you remember you do share this earthly plane with others. Some of them have their own ideas, just make a pact with yourself to listen and you’ll go far. It’s an excellent time to lift weights, dig out the foundations of your new home, or take up boxing.

TAURUS April 21-May 20 There’s so much fire around you could suffer from scorched earth syndrome. This will be your special time, so lay your plans and hatch your plots ready to take advantage of a remarkably supportive cosmos.

You might even have to confront some longstanding adversary or pesky neighbour.

CANCER June 22-July 23

LEO July 24-August 23

It’s time to take recent inspirations seriously, and find a way to anchor those dreams in reality.

Perhaps you’ve had a gut feeling about contacting someone or a desire to develop your creativity in some way? You could feel challenged and stretched, but you could also find the support and help you need to start.

It’s a great time for learning something new. Any expansive adventures involving study or travel offer flirtatious moments. Influential contacts can be made up– in libraries, on courses, or on a day trip away from your usual habitat. Your own restlessness tells you that you need something to change.

GEMINI May 21-June 21 Communication is your middle name. Not only is this a positive time for writing, speaking, and networking, it should also bring visitors, friends, and plenty of news your way. Like-minded souls might pop up at the gym, in your neighbourhood coffee shop, or at events featuring dance or sport.

VIRGO August 24-September 23 You’ve probably had to make all kinds of compromises this year, or go back over old ground. In the end, some forensic re-evaluation of your situation pays off, so don’t stress too much. At this point, you’ll see that the world – both inner and outer – can open up for you in new ways.

Horoscope

FOREST STEVEN WHITAKER (BORN JULY 15, 1961) is an American actor, producer, and director. He was born in Longview, Texas, and his family moved to Los Angeles, California when he was four. His father, Forest Whitaker, Jr., was an insurance salesman and the son of novelist Forest Whitaker, Sr. His mother, Laura Francis, was a special education teacher who put herself through college and earned two Masters degrees while raising her children.

Whitaker has two younger brothers, Kenn and Damon, and an older sister, Deborah. He has earned a reputation for intensive character study work for films such as Bird and Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai, for his work in direct-tovideo films and for his recurring role as ex-LAPD Lieutenant Jon Kavanaugh on the award-winning television series, The Shield. Whitaker won an Academy Award, a Golden Globe and a BAFTA for his performance as Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in the 2006 film The Last King of Scotland.

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stars LIBRA September 24-October 23 The joys and challenges sparked off by loved ones have rarely been more intense. Some of you are also finding that someone is working against your interests, or at least they are not exactly on your side. You can look at what you’ve got – your talents, your friendships, your achievements and your assets.

CAPRICORN December 23-January 20 Time offers you a chance to understand yourself better, learn from your mistakes, and gain wisdom. It may all seem a bit uneven, but gradually you can make the changes you need to make and get rid of what’s not working out.

SCORPIO October 24-November 22

SAGITTARIUS November 23-December 22

Trying to force any pending issue is a waste of energy. Your inner world and how you express yourself to others is all important now, and in the weeks and months to come.

Past contacts can be a very positive influence too, as certain past projects hold the key to future fulfilment.

Make sure you don’t get over-excited and forget what you’ve learned, or those great ideas you had in the shower. There’s plenty of energy around now, stimulating your imagination and your irresistible charisma. So remember, impressing others is easy now – just be yourself, and make the most of this phase.

AQUARIUS January 21-February 19

PISCES February 20-March 20

Your fabulous ideas have had to jump through any number of hoops, which can be a disheartening experience. Others simply don’t have your vision, but gritting your teeth and meeting their concerns and demands will fine-tune things for you in the end.

Many of you are looking for a way to increase your income, and with your house of cash and assets lit up by a row of planets, this could be the perfect time to follow things up or get out and talk to people. But if you’re thinking of studying, writing, or travelling you’ll find inspiration then.

For men X SPRAY $ IUHVK JUHHQ Ó?RUDO IUDJUDQFH VLPLODU LQ VW\OH DQG LGHQWLW\ WR %H 'HOLFLRXV E\ '.1< Top notes Ě&#x17E; JUHHQ DSSOH ZDWHUPHORQ FDVLV DQG FXFXPEHU Middle notes Ě&#x17E; URVH ZDWHUOLO\ IUHHVLD DQG YLROHW Base notes Ě&#x17E; PXVN ZKLWH DPEHU VDQGDOZRRG DQG PDULQH QRWHV

E-MAIL: marketing@albahja.com, Website: www.albahja.com July 7 - August 6 45 B&W

2 0 1 3

PICK-UP POINTS MUSCAT WADI KABIR Bait al Zubair Bait al Baranda Marina Bander Al Bustan Palace Hotel Oman Dive club Shangri-La- Barr Al Jissah Sri Lankan School NHI Pencil Building (Stationery shop) Al Maha bunk –Wadi Kabir Ajay Enterprises (Khimji) – (Next to Jingles nursery) Hotel Golden Oasis Sana Fashions Al Maya markets – (Old Rawasco) Scientific pharmacy – Opp to al Maya market ( Arab Udipi Rest)

Circulation

CBD AREA TO DARSAIT Al Amana Building materials – Opposite Jawad Sultan Al Omaniya Financial Services office Oman oil bunk Khimji mart shopping mall – (Old shopping & saving) Khimjis Bait al Ahlam- CBD area Pizza Muscat (Opposite ministry of manpower) Pizza Hut/TFC – CBD area Centre point-Splash Muscat Securities market Times of Oman Shell petrol Bunk (Next to Sheraton) OCCI Library – Oman Chamber of commerce (OPP MSM) KFC – Ruwi Oman International Bank – Ruwi Palayok Restaurant – Filipino restaurant Ever ready supermarket New India Assurance Office Al Fair – Ruwi high street Lakhoos Money Exchange, Ruwi High street Damas Jewellery/office – Ruwi Oman UAE Exchange – OCC Centre Air Arabia Office- Shanfari Travels Ruwi Hotel Gulf air building – Gulf air office Saravanabhavan Restaurant Sarco – Samsung showroom Khimji Megastore – Swarovski showroom OTE Moosa Abdul Showroom – next to al Jadeed Toshiba Showroom Al Jadeed shopping Badr Al Samaa Samara video (next to Talentz, old bait al ahlam) after 5pm Ministry of Education – Opp Wearhouse – Ruwi Future management consultants -(opp Toshiba showroom) Haffa House Hotel Al Falaj Hotel Muscat Bakery- Near church Pakistan School (after temple & church Darsait) Naranjee Hirjee office (before Hotel Golden Oryx) Hotel Golden Oryx Bank Muscat corporate office (Opposite Hotel Golden Oryx) Kamat Restaurant Uptown Restaurant Turtles Book shop Al Rima Clinic Lama Polyclinic

July 7 - August 6 46 B&W 2 0 1 3

Oman Air – CBD NBO- CBD area Bank Muscat Bank Sohar HSBC Standard Chartered Oman Arab Bank Harmony Music Centre – Next to OAB Bahwan Travel Agencies – CBD banks area OTTB – Oman Travels Bureau Air India office – CBD next to Costas Costas Papa John Supa Save – CBD Woodlands Bank Dhofar Horizon Restaurant – (Next to Moon travels) Oman post office Lulu Darsait Khimji Ramdas Head office, Muttrah (Kanaksi Khimji & pankaj Khimji) Majan College – Darsait junction (canteen) Indian Social Club Melody Music Centre – Next to ISM German Embassy – Hamriya roundabout Apollo Medical Centre Computer Xpress – Hamriya Roundabout Atlas Travels (Wadi Adai Roundabout (next to polyglot) Hatat House Passage to India Best cars Hyundai/Subaru/GM showroom Al Asfoor Furnishing Ahli Bank Shell marketing office SEAT car showroom- Wattayah DHL office- Wattayah Honda Showroom Sabco Head office wattayah NTT travels Wattayah Toyota Bahwan Advertising – Ist floor – Toyota showroom Lexus Ford showroom Shanfari Automotive Wattayah Motors- VW showroom Khoula Hospital Institute of Health sciences – opposite Khoula Kia showroom- wattayah QURUM AREA TOWARDS AL KHUWAIR Al Harthy ComplexPizza Muscat – next to Sultan Center in al Harthy complex Sultan Center Nissan showroom BMW showroom Muscat Private School Qurum city centre Pizza Hut – Qurum Capital Store Al Asfoor Plaza KFC Hardees Fono showroom next to Sabco centre Shah Nagardas Sabco Centre- Barista coffee shop only Al Araimi Panasonic Showroom NBO Qurum Al Khamis Plaza Al Wadi commercial centre – Coffee shop Mercedes showroom

CCC- Stand CCC Al Fair Bollywood chat Pizza Hut – Qurum Second Cup Nandos McDonalds Salman Stores Jawahir Oman Hamptons Business Services & Travel Amex office Ernst & Young buildg (OUA Travels) Starbucks Hawthorne institute- ELS Fahud Street, opp Qurum park Mumtaz Mahal Left bank Oman Association for the disabled Ministry of education (20 +20=20) Muscat Intercon Jawaharat Al Shatti complex- stand Oasis by the sea - crepe café stand LNG Office Al Qurum resort Bareek Al Shatti Complex Al Qandeel head office -, Entrance of Bareek al Shatti Al Shatti Cinema - Dunkin Donuts Al Sahwa Schools– principal’s office next to Ramada hotel Hotel Ramada Al Muriya Offices- next to Al sahwa schools Grand Hyatt Muscat Al Masa Mall Radio Shack Al Sarooj Complex Shell Petrol Bunk- Al Sarooj Al Fair Ramee Guestline Rock Bottom Classic Institute of Arts- next to Asas Oman Asas Oman Apartments Crowne Plaza Coral hotel Qurum Pvt school PDO Ras Al Hamraa Club Omanoil head office AL KHUWAIR/MSQ TOWARDS AZAIBA ELS – Al khuwair service road British School Muscat – MSQ British Council Oman oil- Madinat Qaboos Pizza Hut Khimjis mart – MSQ Kargeen Café Al fair Family Book shop- MSQ Tavola – Al Noor Hall buildg Starbucks Hana slimming centre – Ist Floor Fotomagic Al Noor Hall Al Jadeed Eqarat office Above Welcare Clinic – al Khuwair Domino Pizza Oman mobile Safeer Hypermarket Mustafa Sultan Souk Technia Omantel Oman international Bank – Al khuwair main office Ibis Hotel

Park inn Hotel Friendi Office Muscat Bakery Tropical Ice creams Subway Pizza Hut service road Ice Skating Rink National Training Institute Golden spoon Restaurant Shell Select- Al Khuwair Mcdonalds Mct holiday Inn Hotel Oman Bowling Center Halliburton Café Vergnano Khimji Mart – Next to Verganano Safeer suites Axa insurance (opp assarain Al khuwair) Zakher shopping Mall PAN Furnishing Harley Davidson Thrifty Al Amal Medical Centre – Dr Bashir Hotel Radisson Pizza Hut Al Khuwair Ozone Video Shop(Next to Pizza Hut) American British School Omar Khayyam Restaurant, next to V kool Grill House (next door) V Kool TAISM Centre for British Teachers – CFBT Baushar Complex Café Aviation Club Restaurant AZAIBA TOWARDS SEEB Lulu Hyper market – Baushar Oman Medical college College for Business & financial Studies opp Oman medical, baushar Azzan Bin Qais school - Baushar Muscat private Hospital Dolphin Village – Bausher Royal hospital Ghala industrial area – NTI National mineral water – Tanuf ( next to Al Madina Holiday Inn) Oman oil Azaiba Spicy Village – Rusayl Pizza Hut – Ghala Oman oil – Ghala Towell head office – Enhance & Ist floor Mazda showroom Mcdonalds – Azaiba Select shell Azaiba Oman Tribune – Al Watan office New India assurance Azaiba office Safeer Hypermart Nawras head office Zubair showroom and Yamaha corporate office(two places)- Yamaha Showroom – close to Zubair showroom – 1st floor Polyglot Institute GU Tech – Beach road Azaiba Chedi Muscat The wave Muscat corporate office NACA – national cancer Awareness Assn MCC – Crepe Café Al Bahja– Mood Café & food Court Al Maya Super market Oman air Seeb office (Below Flyover, before Golden Tulip) Oman Tourisn College Golden Tulip Hotel Air port Select Shell – Seeb Pizza Hut airport KFC

MUSCAT, SALALAH, SUR, SOHAR, NIZWA, BARKA, KASAB MUSCAT continued...

SALALAH

SOHAR

NIZWA

Muscat golf hills, SEEB KOM SQU – SQUH hospital , SQUH 2- canteen, 3Diplomatic Club, 4 – College of Commerce, 5 – Students banking area) Pizza Hut – al Khoud Sultan School al hail service road – principals’ office Caledonian college – principal’s office Oman Foot ball association

SHOPPING MALLS Lulu shopping center Al- Istaqarar shopping center (Salalah) Dhofar shopping center Bab Al- Salam market Al- Mashoor (Salalah) Al- Mashoor (Saada) Al-Khareef K.M Trading Al-Isteqarar (Saada) Al-Hoq super market Hamdan commercial market Fresh super market (Al-Sarat) Union Salalah Market Family bookshop

Spicy Village Restaurant Lulu Hypermarket Jumeirah Shopping Centre Khimji’s Mart Al Salem shopping Centrepoint Moosa Abdul Rahman – GMC Toyota Nissan Mitsubishi LG showroom Sohar Bakery Sohar University Bank Muscat Habib Bank Bank Sohar Oman International Bank Al Raffah Hospital Badr Al Samaa Oman Arab Bank Bank Dhofar HSBC Travel City National Travels and Tours Universal Travels and Tourism DHL Dhofar Insurance Al Ahlia Insurance Taeeger Finance Co Omantel Al Jazeera Group Narenjee Hirjee (International)

OIB, Nizwa OIB, Firq BankMuscat, Nizwa BM main branch, Nizwa BankMuscat, Firq NBO, Nizwa NBO, Firq Bank Abudhabi Toyota OTE Omantel Nawras Khimji, Nizwa Khimji, Izki Muscat Bakery, Nizwa Pizza Hut Discount centre Family shopping Al Diyar Hotel Safari hotel Al-Nif shopping, Izki Hungery Bunny, Nizwa College of Science College of Technic Nizwa Medical College Busmath Clinic Thalal Clinic Omanoil, Izki Omanoil, Firq Omanoil, Nizwa Omanoil, Marfa Shell, Izki Shell, Firq Shell, Nizwa Al-Maha, Firq Nizwa university -Dept of foreign lang Al-Maha, Marfa

RUSAYL AREA Rusayl Industrial Estate Oman Cables Sadolin Paints Jotun Paints Al waqia shoes Mehdi Foods Areej veg oils MINISTRIES AREA – AL KHUWAIR Ministry of tourism(Ghala, next to ISG) Ministry of social Development(next to Regional municipalities, Bank Mct) Ministry of foreign affairs

SUR Al-Hashar LNG LNG, Club Sur Sur Beach Hotel Sur University OTE, Sur Mitsibushi Rawaya coffee shop Toyota Nissan Sur Plaza Hotel Mazda Khimji Omantel Private Hospital, Sur BankMuscat Sur Hotel NBO, Sur Bank Dhofar, Sur ELS, Sur

HOTELS Crown Plaza Hilton Salalah Hamdan plaza Dhofar Hotel Salalah hotel Haffa House Redan Hotel Al- Hanaa Hotel BAMSIR hotel Al- Jabel hotel Al- Nile suite (Saada) Salalah Mariott MINISTRIES Ministry agriculture & fisheries Ministry of education Ministry of defense Ministry of housing & electricity Ministry of water Ministry of tourism Diwan of Royal court (Salalah) Ministry of primary court and justice Ministry of Commerce & industry Dhofar municipality (Baladia) Ministry of man power PETROL STATIONS, BANKS Shanfari filling Station shell select, al saada Oman oil Shell Salalah Bank Muscat Omantel Oman Arab Bank Pizza hut Dhofar University Al Maha souk

BARKA Lulu hyper market Safeer Centre Al Nahda resort Al Maha Souk Oman Oil Rumais Oman College of management OIB NBO Bank Muscat Shell OTE SARCO Nissan showroom Omantel

FREE FORTNIGHTLY MAGAZINE AVAILABLE ALL OVER OMAN ON 7TH & 21ST

20, 500 COPIES (BEING AUDITED) Circulation enquiries: 98675976/24565697

July 7 - August 6 47 B&W 2 0 1 3 B&&W

By Dave Green

2

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ŠThomas Snyder

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2012 Conceptis Puzzles, Dist. by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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7/20

Difficulty Level

By Dave Green

5 1

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2012 Conceptis Puzzles, Dist. by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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SOLUTION: Difficulty Level

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Difficulty Level

7/21

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2012 Conceptis Puzzles, Dist. by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

1 8 9 7 6 4 2 5 3

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7/20

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2012 Conceptis Puzzles, Dist. by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

July 7 - August 6 48 B&W 2 0 1 3

Sudoku 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.

It's my life

A 94 year old superhero Vandana, award winning author (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;360 Degrees Back to Life')

By Vandana Shah

No caped crusader, no flying machines, no batmobil,no hulk strength, no invisible cape, no earth annihilating ammunition, yet he created history with grace,humility,tenacity and above all forgiveness and humanity.

His penance of imprisonment of 27 years in a jail cell where most would have perished or come out embittered with cynicism and a thirst for revenge, saw him not only forgive his detractors but also unite a nation split by apartheid. He has given HOPE to millions not only in his country but also around the world- hope about impossible being possible, dreams coming true, the good guy winning ,the underdog being triumphant, principles above politics. His life has embodied NON-VIOLENCE and once again given a nugget of reality contrary to popular belief, non violence doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t necessarily mean you lose but you actually win the biggest wars with it.

Images of him smiling and hugging children, his presence at music concerts, his dancing, his dressing, his love for his wife, his love of football, and his thrill at the normal pleasures of life make him seem so much like you and me, just a regular guy enjoying the regular things in life. Perhaps it is this merger of all these qualities that have made NELSON MANDELA where all of us see a small part of us in him and him in us and we love and admire him as though he were our own family member.

As his birthday approaches I pray that the world will not keep a vigil at his bedside because of his ailing health but that he will be the invincible 95 year old superhero.

Vandana Shah, Author 360 Degrees Back To life, editor of Ex-Files. www.vandanashah.com.

Email me what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to say on 360degreesbacktolife@gmail.com Follow me on twitter Vandy4PM

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Good health

Cooking

Traditionally, foods eaten for the suhoor and iftar are light, nutritious meals containing fresh fruits, vegetables, and halal meats. Salads can be cooling, healthy, and satisfying meals on their own or perfect accompaniments to main dishes. Here are a few salads you can try at home:

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Chopped green salad Ingredients 1 large iceberg lettuce, chopped 3 green onions, thinly sliced 2 Lebanese cucumbers, halved lengthways, chopped 2 avocados, chopped 1/2 cup mung bean sprouts Vinaigrette 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon wholegrain mustard

1 teaspoon caster sugar Method Make vinaigrette. Place oil, vinegar, mustard and sugar in a screw-top jar. Season with salt and pepper. Secure lid. Shake to combine. Place lettuce, onion, cucumber, avocado and sprouts in a bowl. Add vinaigrette. Toss to combine. Serve.

Couscous and bean salad Ingredients 1/2 cup (125 ml) green beans 1/2 cup (125 ml) diced carrots 1 sweet yellow pepper, diced 1 cup (250 ml) whole wheat couscous 2/3 cup (150 ml) each cooked or drained canned chickpeas and red kidney beans 1 green onion, thinly sliced 1/4 cup (50 ml) extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 tsp (2 ml) grated lemon rind 3 tbsp (45 ml) lemon juice 1 tsp (5 ml) Dijon mustard 1/2 tsp (2 ml) each dried oregano and salt 1/4 tsp (1 ml) pepper

Preparation Cut green beans into 1/2-inch (1 cm) pieces. In saucepan, bring 2 cups (500 ml) water to boil; boil green beans, carrots and yellow pepper for 2 minutes. Drain, reserving water; set vegetables aside.

In large bowl, stir couscous with 1 cup (250 ml) reserved water; cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Add cooked vegetables, chickpeas, kidney beans and green onion; set aside.In small bowl, whisk together oil, lemon rind, lemon juice, mustard, oregano, salt and pepper. Pour over couscous mixture and toss to combine.

Baby spinach and orange salad Ingredients 100g baby spinach leaves 2 oranges, peeled, halved, thinly sliced 100g marinated goatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s feta, drained 2 tbs lime-infused olive oil, or olive oil Method Toss spinach, oranges and nuts together. Place on a platter, crumble over feta and drizzle with oil. Season well and serve.

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World without

Eves drop

CANCER

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She is not a doctor. She is not a psychiatrist. She is just a “woman who went through an experience, and thought to help others who might find themselves in a similar situation”. But, for many in Oman, she is much more than that. Today, she is the brave face of the fight against cancer in Oman.

Yuthar Al Rawahi is a one-woman army against the deadly disease plaguing many in Oman. As the founder and chairperson of the Oman Cancer Association (OCA), she has managed to help many here in Oman make a determined fight against cancer by spreading awareness of the disease and thereby finding ways to prevent it.

Responding to queries on the I Wish project by Karen Van De Ruit and Puja Khimji, which was recently initiated to bring smiles on the lips of tiny cancer afflicted patients living a life that is quickly slipping away, Yuthar said that it had great potential to be a nation-wide voluntary initiative.

She also noted that OCA has a similar ‘make a wish’ programme, which was initiated some years ago.

Excerpts: COULD YOU GIVE US A BRIEF ON OCA’S ‘MAKE A WISH’ PROGRAMME? Make a Wish was an initiative OCA started in 2013. Part of the activities of the association is regular visits to oncology centers across Muscat, particularly pediatric oncology wards. We wanted a way to put smiles on the kids’ faces while they undergo their difficult journey with cancer. So we asked them to write down their wishes and put them in a bowl, then we passed by the ward and randomly picked a wish from the bowl -- we then approach supporters to help us fulfill the chosen wish. The only criteria is that it should be feasible and reasonable from a financial perspective. Within a few days we return to the ward, announce the ‘winner’ and present him/her with the realisation of the wish. At the moment we are having it as an annual event. If we can get enough supporters we would love to make it more frequently. The first wish was granting an ipad to a young, very grateful, boy at Royal Hospital pediatric oncology ward.

WHAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THE I WISH INITIATIVE BY KAREN AND PUJA? I think the I Wish initiative has great potential and it is wonderful as it targets all pediatric patients. The OCA’s Make a Wish is targeted only to paediatric

oncology patients. I think it will be very successful with Karen and Puja at the helm. I wish them all the best and I’m sure they will be spreading joy, love and kindness with their efforts.

DO YOU THINK THAT THE I WISH IDEA COULD GENERATE A NATIONWIDE WAVE OF WISHES FROM VARIOUS QUARTERS? COULD WE SEE IT BECOME A REAL COUNTRYWIDE EFFORT? I think the absolute joy on young patients’ faces when their wishes have been realised is something so gratifying and fills the heart with such happiness that I think anyone involved in such an amazing experience will want to do more and help more kids and make more wishes come true. I hope it is something that takes root at every hospital and every institute that houses children undergoing any treatment, especially oncology treatments. I think it CAN become a country-wide initiative and I hope it does.

WHAT IS YOUR WISH, YUTHAR – RATHER, YOUR DEEPEST WISH? My deepest wish is that no-one, ever, has to undergo the experience of being diagnosed with cancer or go through the turmoil of treatment which is often traumatic physically, emotionally and spiritually. A world without cancer is my deepest wish.

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Forgotten

Hooked

By Priya Arunkumar Do you still cycle every day?

I am sure you must be having a good bike at home, she said.

Cycle, no way, why would I have a cycle at home? I retorted.

But you used to be obsessed with cycles, and if I remember right, you cycled 6kms a day, she trailed off.

Obsessed? No way, I tried to clear the opinion, her opinion, not mine.

I was never obsessed with cycles, no way.

Of course I loved sports, I loved to run and of course I cycled quite a lot… but obsessed?

Listen, I know you too well; remember your first cycle, or the lack of it, she continued.

I blatantly said no, I don’t remember, I really did not think I was obsessed with cycles.

If I were I would have remembered and also owned one today.

Well I do, she continued quickly… here is a quick jog to your memory: you always wanted a good sports bike and literally wished on all stars for it, every chance you got, you stole your brothers' cycles or mine.

In fact you used to make a statement that a cycle will always be a part of your life, no matter where you are or how old you get!

And every day you came to school on your brother’s cycle, cursing yourself you didn’t have one. You had a collection of all cycle pictures you could garner about, you drew cycle pictures and coloured them and you always had a wish to own a good sports model…

Yes I remember, but that was the only means of transport other than a school bus, I explained.

Hey, call it off; are you ashamed that you loved cycles? You have changed…

That hurt… I loved cycles, and I am not ashamed of it, but the word obsession is way too much.

Childhood pals can be disastrous sometimes. Or rather most of the times.

They know you only too well; have seen you without any inhibitions and image and know all your secrets, more than you would remember after 20 to 30 years!

I do have a memory problem, but not to the extent that I can forget a childhood obsession. My mind was nagging; I need to check this out… I called up another friend, who reiterated I ‘loved’ cycles much more than the required percentage. Subtly put in, she is the diplomatic kind.

I did not understand why this was annoying me, but to know that people carry different images of you is a little disturbing. All of us have strong likes and dislikes, but are we aware what we are reflecting? Is the image we project outside the real image of us?

I remember quite a lot about the days I spend in school and college. I can actually say that I remember every bit of it, not just snippets here and there.

Was I really obsessed with cycles? How many cycles did I own? Three, four? I think four of them at different stages. It is definitely true that I started cycling at a very young age, maybe at 6/7 years of age and have cycled my way though my school and college life. Many years I did own cycles. Like every other child, I also wanted my cycles to be colourful, fanciful and the latest… The college campus was so huge that it was impossible to walk around. My mind gave all sorts of reasons to own a cycle or rather the wish to own one. Maybe I should check it out with my parents, brothers, cousins? Maybe they will remember better. Why am I not remembering my own obsessions? Maybe it is one of the forgotten chapters of my life, maybe it is selective amnesia… I would rather blame it on my brain cells!

Maybe I should look at a cycle once again?

Maybe a ride can change the way I think now! priya@blackandwhiteoman.com

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