THE GRAND NP Middle East DINNER

The UAE Chapter of the NP Alumni Asso. recently held its Gala Dinner in Aid of the Mungpoo School.

Attended by both ex-north pointers as well as well wishers and philanthropists, it was a grand success. Almost 140+ people turned up at The State Ballroom of the Four Points Sheraton in Dubai for an evening of introduction, fun and networking.

The Chief Guest was Rev. Fr. G Van Walleghem.

We would like to thank all of the guests who spared time on the weekend to attend the Dinner and we look forward to your continued support and cooperation.

Modesty is often valued but sometimes a pat on the back is justified & necessary too.

The evening would not have been such a grand success had it not been for the following.

Mr. Robert Wilson: The guiding force behind the enterprise, he not only opened his house and office for the alumni meetings he also led from the frontline. Never letting his seniority get in the way, he often jumped in and got his hands dirty with menial tasks. On D-Day with just 30 minutes for the function to begin he was busy wrapping gifts with special self-designed & printed wrapping paper with the NP Logo. Commitment does not come stronger than that. After all the hard work of organizing was over he did not sit back and relax, instead he led the Tambola and the Auction and even managed to get quite a few damsels to the dance floor (though to be fair the last is not technically a chore). Thank You and Sir, Take A Bow.

Mrs. Purnima Wilson: For hosting rowdy North Pointers time and again at your house. The mouth watering food was much appreciated and Samir da, in particular says the Jack & Coke was even more appreciated. Thank You Aunty and when do we see you again. :-)

Mr. Chogyal Tshering La: If in a few years the NP UAE Chapter becomes a Fortune 500 company, this is the person to thank. He brings a business discipline to the whole forum and makes sure we are always looking at not just the immediate gains but also the larger picture. He has big plans for the UAE Alumni and we are blessed to have him as the Vice President. Affectionately known as Chogsda, his energy levels can give Shah Rukh a complex (infact many people say he also resembles SRK) and no one I know, can work the Blackberry the way he can. He created the Mungpoo video in 3 hours flat and it was so good that many people were moist eyed in the hall. (Samir da ofcourse was moist eyed just looking at the price of Jack & Coke but then thats another story for another day). He is also a connoisseur of fine single malts and is known to whip up a mean dish on weekends. He has promised he will be inviting us for one of his soirees very soon. Till then Chogs da do continue to guide us and Take A Bow.

Samir Sharma: Many of you know him from the profile as the one who spent his formative years wearing white tights and sarees but none of that is evident as he verbally whirlwinds across a room getting things in place during every meeting. His running order for the evening’s program was like an Army-man’s wet dream. He brings with him considerable talent and expertise from running the Darjeeling Carnival and its no wonder that the evening was such a success. He does tend to doze off from time to time but when awake he can multi task like a Woodpecker on Viagra. I could write more but he called me to say “Bhai I am trying to become modest” (trying being the operative word here). Jokes apart he is the Super-Glue that holds us all together (he in turn is held together with J&C) so without further ado, Samir da Take A Bow.

P.S. He can now be contacted 24/7 on his waterproof-shockproof-floating black…oops … blueberry. (details with pic will come soon on the blog)

Steven Gurung: A thin body belies the booming voice and at the head of the in-house band he not only sang some great numbers, he even managed to keep everyone entertained with his in-between-songs commentary. Another multi-tasker, with less than a month to go before the event, he managed to assemble a band, arrange the music equipment, practice songs, play football, get souvenirs from Darj etc….. all in between dodging bullets and ammunition shells (it’s a long story…. Wait for the details in his upcoming profile) in war torn Africa. The legend looks set to continue because his 9 month old son Ryan (details again in the upcoming profile) also managed to dance the night away till 1 am. He plays the drums, and his skills with the sticks must be seen and heard to be believed. Some even say that he can twirl a drumstick better than he can a beer bottle but from what I’ve seen of both I’ d say it’s a tie.

A quick word here about his beautiful wife Doma, who also hosted many alumni meetings and always had yummy food waiting at their place. The Momo party is still pending though… Steve, Doma & Ryan Take A Bow.

Norden Ghissing: He had to fly to Iran (dont ask) the day before the event and as it usually takes about 3-4 days for people to get back from there we all were preparing substitutes for his role. Amazingly he managed to get back on the day of the event with 10 minutes to spare. While scaring many hotel guests as he changed into his suit in the lobby washroom he was surrounded by curious people all wanting to know how he came back so quickly. He just says the NP spirit got him back but some knowledgeable ones (Samir) say he rowed across the Iranian Strait. He was incharge of the F&B and with all the well fed and tipsy people in the end he succeeded pretty well. He is also an extempore entertainer and no one can make a wise crack with such a straight face as him. Norden da Take A Bow.

Vishant Gurung: He is an avid gym enthusiast and folklore has it that every time he lifts 40 kilos he finds a North Pointer in UAE. He can be credited single-handedly (without a trace of exaggeration) with locating and contacting all the Spaggies here in the UAE. We initially thought there would be about 7-10 but he jacked up that number to almost 35. We hear the FBI is interested in recruiting him. And…….he just called to say he lifted 80 kilos and found 2 more. Vishant Take A Bow and Do Keep Lifting.

P.S. He gives a great discount at his store and if anyone wants to do some serious shopping please contact him.

Vishal Subba: That’s yours truely and modesty (albeit false) prevents me from writing about myself. Suffice it to say I did my best.... I Am Like That Only. and…. and……and……. Thank You, I have already taken my Bow.

Richard, Ali & Rohan & Steve from the band The 11th Hour and guest singer Zerene who provided some truly world class music. Both the singing and playing was top notch. Take A Bow Guys.

Anant, Amit & Prashant from the Nepali Band who brought the Darjeeling touch to the evening. As always Musu Musu got everyone to their feet. Great Job Guys, Take A Bow

Tito & Tenzing: The DJ’s for the evening. You left the audience wanting more and that’s always a good sign. Guys Take A Bow.

Gopal: For helping with the Music and for smiling so much and so often. With your shaved head and ever-smiling face you lit up the room. Thank You Gopal, Put on a Cap and Take A Bow.

John Baptist: Again for working tirelessly and for attending the meetings faithfully and that too without having a car. Your dedication is and inspiration to us all. Take A Bow John.

Derek Lama: A special mention to him as he volunteered himself and was one the first to reach the venue and worked right up till the end. He studied in VVA and he proved that for a good cause the Nepali heart is always ready. Derek, Thank You Very Much. Don’t take a Bow, instead we bow to you.

We also Thank all of you who came from outside Dubai, Pranai Rai who came all the way from Bahrain, Mr Gurdeep Dhatt and his lovely wife who came from Al Ain and all the others who came from the neighbouring emirates.

Once again a BIG Thank You to all and we look forward to your support and cooperation in the future too.

Enjoy The Pictures (more will follow)

SURSUM CORDA

The Packed Hall

Robert, Fr. Van & Bahrani Pranai.

Vishal gets things started.

Fr Van addresses the Guests

Atlas and the NP world

Are we making you girls uncomfortable?

And Now ladies & Gentlemen I am Mr. Chogyal Gates

Whats an NP party without some dancing

Is that a beer in your hand or are you just glad to see me?

I cant smile without a Tie

A Memento For Fr. Van

Dr. & Mrs Gurdeep Dhatt & The Rocket Man Mr. Surana Dutta
Elvis Lobo says Black is slimming
The 11th Hour Band featuring Vishant

A Section of the Crowd

Yeah Samirda 4 Helpings down and 3 more to go

We are having so much Fun and the Beer has nothing to do with that.

Posing... Posing

Say it Clear, Say It Loud.
We Are Spaggies and We Are Proud

ALUM PROFILE SERIES # 4

SAMIR SHARMA
A Ecologist. An Organizer. A North Pointer.

NP 81 to 89

Samir is from the Centenary Batch – which created a record of sorts not least because the school had completed a hundred years but also because everyone passed the ICSE that year and thankfully, have being doing so quite consistently ever since.

He was in the Laenen House (not the best of colours to be seen wearing but that’s another story) and during the final year also managed to win the 100 meters relay.
Everyone passed that year …ergo… everyone busy studying ….ergo…. no one to run ….ergo.… you do the math.

Anyway, as was the custom, he also got a “Sursum Corda” cake that, in his own words, was worse than Ghuramiya ko Mitha Roti. We probably have to take him at his word on that because he has never run since.

He was also in the school gymnastic team (a young Samir in white tights jumping on parallel bars… what more could the LC girls ask for.?) and he insists that this profile should mention that he has been very very flexible since then!

All throughout his LD life he bravely jumped through the Rings Of Fire on Independence Day Shows. Incase you are wondering, it wasn’t for the benefit of the LC girls but rather because of the fear of Mr Wangden Lama.
Whoever said “fear gave him wings.." probably knows Mr. Lama well.

If running the relays, jumping hoops and donning tights wasn’t enough he challenged his machismo ever further by played the role of a mother in the Centenary Nepali School Play. Who was the poor boy chosen to be the ‘son’?
Our very own Search Specialist Vishant Gurung. While on the set he was soundly scolded by Mrs Jiwan Kala for performing with his Naughty Boy shoes - in a saree!
The play however gave also him a glimpse of the human side of Mr. A.C. Rai who was the director and even (insert gasp here) cracked jokes on set… can u believe that??!!

He studied Science in St Joseph’s College at the +2 level and then pushed off to Chennai and Calcutta after that for graduation in 1991. There is no data available about whether he continued to don white tights and sarees while in Chennai & Calcutta.

He began his career as Asst. Administrator for the Maitreya Project in Bodhgaya in 1996 and lived in Bihar for the next 7 years becoming the Project Administrator and hobnobbing with the likes of Lalu Prasad, Sharad Yadav, Nitish Kumar and Richard Gere. (Julia however was a little busy to make it)

And for all you doubting Thomas’s there, for your kind information, Samir can speak perfect Bihari (Magadhi).

Ka bhaiya, gharwa na jaimey??? U figure that out yourself.

No Bihar story is ever complete without a mugging and Samir too got looted by dacoits at the project site and was made to live in pyjamas (???) for a week. The poor idiots took all their laptop bags and left behind the laptops…
Bihar hai bhaiya…computer samputar kaa cheej hai??? Hai???

Suitably chastened, he then organised the Kalachakra initiations for 3 consecutive years for His Holiness The Dalai Lama in Bodhgaya and that is where the Event Management skills were born. He says he owes a great deal of all his spirituality, beliefs and life skills to those days.

“Everyone needs believe in something. I believe I'll have another beer.” - Anon

Came back to Darjeeling in 2002 after 11 years of ‘banbash’ and started freelancing for Statesman Newspaper as a photo journalist (talk about diversity in portfolio). Started one of the first video studios in Darjeeling with NP batch mate Bhasker Thami called Studio69.
Bhasker apparently is still making sexy music videos with all those lovely chicks of Darj and Sikkim, and how could he not with a studio name so apt.

He also promoted Mantra and The Reincarnation and shot the first ever music video from Darjeeling to be aired on Channel Nepal ( Mantra’s Timi Bina).

He did numerous pro-bono work for all the music bands of Darjeeling -
“Samirda album cover ko lagi photo khichi dinos na…”

Joined Mercy Corps an American non profit org in Aug 2003 as Office Manager and worked in 12 villages around Darj on building community initiatives and energizing the rural youth.

In late 2003 he met Shasheesh and Ajoy and that, as the cliché, goes changed his life forever. They started the Darjeeling Carnival and the rest as they say is history…

He then initiated the Darjeeling Initiative, a group of like-minded locals, mostly in their youth, from diverse backgrounds, coming together with the aim to make a positive impact on the socio-economy of the Darjeeling Hills.

Taught photography to Mass Comm. students in St Joseph’s College for a short while in 2006 / 2007 and if you check you will probably find him still listed as one of the teachers of the department in the College Diary!

Started Darjeeling’s first ever Lounge Bar “OMNI” (http://omnilounge.blogspot.com) and was running it before heading for Dubai. (Talk about a concept for us in Dubai. All in favour raise your hands)

He is presently working in Dubai with IIR Middle East as Special Events
Coordinator, organizing Gala Dinners, Awards, Golf days, Fashion Shows and is apparently loving it. (How can anyone not love a job which involves fashion shows? Duh!!)

He loves to blog and is very passionate about photography and keen on development issues.

His strength (according to him) lies in initiating and energizing people for new ventures, networks and social causes.

He is happily married to Namrata (Loreto 89 batch) and thanks to all the gymnastics in school, is blessed with the most well behaved kids, Natasha & Nikunj who he misses like hell…

“You can take the boy away from North Point but you cannot take North Point away from the boy…”

Vishant says, Samir is : “…an energetic soul, talented, passionate about his job and could do
wonders with a bottle of booze”

and Norden adds; "Not old, not young....has to be cooked only in a pressure cooker (60 whistles) but still organised. That's Sam in Dubai

Amen to that.

SURSUM CORDA

ALUMNUS MESSAGE



Dear North Pointers,



SURSUM CORDA!



I am so happy to know that our old boys are getting together in Dubai and organizing a gala dinner for the Mungpoo School.



I must thank you all for this noble work that you have started. The Mungpoo school does need your gracious support.



So thank you once again.



I am currently serving our Alumni as an assistant secretary, and here we are working on the registration of Mungpoo School in the ICSE council and other departments. Lot has to be done, but nothing is impossible if our intents are sincere.



As we were taught to be men for others, let us carry on with our efforts to make the lives of unfortunate children better by supporting Fr. Van in his cause.



Congratulations to Mr. Robert Wilson, the president of the UAE chapter, and to you all.



I am Deven Gurung 82 batch.



I hope Mr. Wilson will remember me.



Regards to him and all our fellow north pointers.



Yours truly Deven.

GALA DINNER POSTER

You can make a difference…

Forget the discos and the night clubs for one thursday and join us in changing lives…

See how little it takes to change a child’s life… and while you’re at it, enjoy mouth watering delicacies, take part in fun games with your friends, jive to the music of our home grown band and let off some steam with the dj

Feeling lucky? There are loads of prizes to be won! You are guaranteed an entry to a raffle draw with your invitation passes

So what are you waiting for? Come and join us in supporting “The Mungpoo School Project” by attending the gala dinner on Thursday 29 May 2008, 7pm at the Four Points Sheraton, Burdubai, Dubai.

SURSUM CORDA

JOB VACANCIES



Hi Guys,

Please see below a list of positions currently available at IIRME.

Established in Dubai in 1993, IIR Dubai is the undisputable regional market leader in the conference and training sector and is currently second only to Dubai International Exhibition Centre in total exhibition space occupied.

Interested candidates can forward their CV’s to Samir Sharma (samir.sharma@iirme.com) and he can also be contacted at the same address for the job descriptions (JD).

You can also check out their website at www.iirme.com



A Big Thanks to Samir and Best of Luck to all.

SURSUM CORDA


Exhibitions

Cityscape
Exhibition Manager Cityscape India

Life Sciences
Exhibition Manager/Director
Exhibition Sales Manager
Tele-sales Executive

Industrial Group
Sales Executive (International Freight Week)
Conference Producer (whole group)
Delegate Sales Executive (whole group)

MECOM
Exhibition Manager

MEMEX
Exhibition Manager

Exhibition Marketing
Marketing Manager (Cityscape Asia & China)
Marketing Manager (Cityscape Abu Dhabi & Dubai)
Marketing Executive
Registrations Sales Executives

Operations
Assistant Operations Manager
Operations Executives
Operations Coordinators
Arabic speakers for any Operations positions would be a bonus

Research & Development
Research Manager

Conferences

Group Sales Department
Conference Sales Manager
Key Account Manager
Sponsorship Manager

Conference Marketing
Senior Marketing Manager

Production
Conference Producer

Corporate

Finance Shared Service Centre
Credit Controller
Financial Controller
Accounts Receivable Administrator
Accounts Receivable Team Leader

Web
Web Administrator
Web Designer

THE SHANKER FOUNDATION. Darjeeling.


The Shanker Foundation was formed in 2005 as Shrishti, under the guidance of Kripa AIDS Cell, an arm of Kripa Foundation.


Today it has evolved and is the only foundation run by PLWH’S (PEOPLE LIVING WIITH HIV/AIDS).

The social stigma and discrimination attached to HIV/AIDS has made it extremely difficult for Shanker Foundation to come out in the open. The foundation has members from all walks of life: mothers, young adults, children…the list is endless and increasing rapidly. The disease is yet to be accepted due to lack of awareness. Increasing number of women and children living with HIV is adding challenges to the Network. Due to their positive status, women and children living with HIV are further marginalized in a society which already marginalizes this vulnerable group.

The foundation has been reaching out to other people with HIV/AIDs with very little means of support. The challenge of constant care and support of the increasing number of people living with the disease is a daunting task. The majority of members, fall below the poverty line and need nutritive food, medical support and shelter.

Societal support for a dignified life is needed.

Do visit their site at http://shankerfoundation.blogspot.com/ to know more.

ALUMNUS MESSAGE:

Hi,

Hats off to you guys for the splendid work.

I have been wondering for so long how to get hold of North Pointer working in the Middle East ... Here you have done it.

Its been 12 long years now working in Bahrain and trying to strike the right chord to get know North Pointers here.

I am so pleased to know that a Middle East Chapter for the NP Alumini has finally kicked off.
Thanks to Samir ( my brother in law ) who has given me this great opportunity to come across the Chapter.

If i can be of any help here in Bahrain and Qatar pls contact me on the add below.

Not to forget Mr Wilson being the driving force behind it.

Pranai S Rai
Assistant General Manager
ALPHA FIRE SERVICES W.L.L
Fire Protection Specialists
P O Box 11741,
Manama, Bahrain
Tel: Office -17738100 Ext 218
Fax: 17736161
Mobile : 39635520
Residence : 17723669
Emails: sampang@batelco.com.bh