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Daily Tribune
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Tribune
ILA Hosts Inspiring Event for Children with Special Needs
The Indian Ladies Association (ILA) has hosted Inclusivity Matters, a heartfelt and inspiring event dedicated to celebrating the strength, achievements, and potential of children with special needs. Held in the gracious presence of His Excellency Mr. Vinod K. Jacob, Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Bahrain, the evening brought together community leaders, changemakers, and families to champion inclusion. At the heart of the event was the remarkable story of Gopikrishna Varma, a young actor with Down syndrome, and his mother Ms. Ranjini Varma, whose love and determination helped him achieve his childhood dream. Their journey resonated deeply with the audience, offering a powerful message of hope and possibility. Guests Special guests included Mr. Yusuf Lori from the Capital Governorate, who shared his continued support for inclusive initiatives, and Mr. Mohammad from the Bahrain Down Syndrome Society, who contributed meaningfully to a panel discussion focused on building an inclusive society through policy, education, and awareness. Ms. Raji from Live FM served as the engaging moderator for the evening, seamlessly guiding the program with warmth and professionalism. Attendees recognized the Government of Bahrain for its commendable efforts in promoting inclusion through accessible education, vocational training, and integration of individuals with disabilities into the workforce. The Kingdom's continued leadership in this space was widely appreciated. The event also celebrated the impactful work of Sneha, ILA's flagship nonprofit recreation center for children with special needs. Entirely volunteer-driven, Sneha provides a safe, creative, and supportive space for growth and expression.
Daily Tribune
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Tribune
Malayalam Anthology Film "VOYAGE" Premieres in Bahrain Cinemas
The event was graced by Mr. Pradeep Kumar, Patron of Nav Bharath International WLL, as the Chief Guest. Distinguished Guests of Honor included Ms. Smitha Jensen, President of the Indian Ladies Association; Mr. Vinoth Aliyath, Membership Secretary of Bahrain Keraleya Samajam; Mr. Arun Ramalingam, Asst. General Secretary of Annai Tamil Mandram; Mr. Panju. Rajkumar, President of Ajith Fans Club; Ms. Asha Pradeep, President of Nav Bharat Ladies Association; Mr. Rakesh, Managing Director of Live FM 107.2; Ms. Usha Jagdish, General Manager of Vitality Wellness & Spa; Mr. Subash, Manager of Sona Gold & Diamonds; Mr. Shyam Shankar, Head of IT from 4Square; and Dr. France Johannes, Doctor from American Mission Hospital. The producers of "VOYAGE," Padam and Karthick Raj, extended their gratitude to all the esteemed guests for their presence. Tickets for "VOYAGE" are available from today at EPIX Dana Mall, CINECO Seef, and Mukta A2 Cinemas Juffair for a flat price of BD 2.5. Tickets can be conveniently booked online or purchased directly from the theatre counters.
Daily Tribune
04-06-2025
- General
- Daily Tribune
Stronger Than Steel
The Night Bahrain Witnessed the Power of She 'My prosthetic arm was not my identity. I wanted to live without hiding — and that's when everything changed.' - Shaikha Al Shaiba 'I didn't just climb Everest. I carried the hopes of every person who's been told they can't.' - Dr. Arunima Sinha It's not every day you sit in an auditorium and feel your heartbeat sync with stories of sheer resilience. But that's exactly what happened at the Leela Jashanmal Memorial Lecture in Manama, an evening that turned into a masterclass on bravery, grace under fire, and what it truly means to rise, again and again. The Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) auditorium was packed to capacity, buzzing with anticipation. I found myself surrounded by people from all walks of life, leaning forward, holding their breath, much like I did, as two incredible women took the stage and rewrote the definition of strength. The event, hosted by the Indian Ladies Association, was a tribute to courage in the face of adversity. But no introduction could have prepared us for the impact that Shaikha Al Shaiba and Padma Shri Dr. Arunima Sinha would have on our hearts. Bahrain Trailblazer Shaikha Al Shaiba's story didn't begin in a sports arena. It began in silence. In the shadows of judgment, stares, and whispers. With one arm, she knew early on that society would define her by her difference. What they didn't expect was that she would choose her own definition. 'My prosthetic arm was not my identity,' she told the crowd. 'I wanted to live without hiding — and that's when everything changed.'Her voice wavered only with passion as she recalled how she joined races, learned to swim from scratch, and pushed herself to compete in one of the world's toughest triathlons, Ironman 70.3. With just two months of training and no prior swimming experience, Shaikha completed a 1.9 km swim, 90 km bike ride, and 21.1 km run, not to prove a point to the world, but to honor the strength within her. She trained in Bahrain's heat, battled through injury, and swam against waves colder than fear itself. She didn't just cross finish lines, she tore down barriers along the her biggest challenge came with loss. 'When my father passed away, my world went silent,' she said. 'I stopped living for a while. But then I remembered, I have a life to honor, and a legacy to build.' That's when she got back on the bike. Even after a near-fatal accident in Riyadh that broke her hand, head, and hip, she didn't stop. She showed up to work in a cast and later crossed another finish line in Paris. Why? Because resilience, as she said, 'is not about pretending the struggle doesn't exist, it's about rising anyway.' From Train Tracks to the Top of the World Then came a hush, the kind that settles right before a storm of emotion. Dr. Arunima Sinha, India's first female amputee to scale Mt. Everest, stepped forward. But before she became a mountaineer, she was a national-level volleyball player, and a victim of unthinkable violence. She was thrown off a moving train by robbers in 2011. Left on the tracks, limbs crushed, consciousness flickering and the cruel rhythm of 49 trains passing by. It was seven hours before help no anesthesia, she underwent an emergency leg amputation. But even as she lay in a hospital bed, riddled with rods and screws, she made a declaration no one could have predicted: 'I will climb Everest.' Arunima's journey wasn't just vertical, it was spiritual. She trained for 18 months, faced repeated rejections from sponsors, and endured brutal climbs with one prosthetic leg and a spine held together by determination. 'People only saw what I didn't have,' she said. 'They didn't see the fire inside.' In 2013, she reached the summit of Everest, not just for herself, but for everyone who's ever been told they couldn't. She now leads a foundation that supports amputees and underprivileged children in India, proving that healing isn't just personal, it's communal. That evening, under the soft lights of BIBF's auditorium, something magical happened. The crowd didn't just listen, they transformed. Tears were wiped quietly. Hands clapped louder. Hearts were realigned. The stories of Shaikha Al Shaiba and Dr. Arunima Sinha were not about tragedy. They were about triumph. About what happens when a woman decides that her narrative won't be written by were not just speeches. They were battle cries. They were love letters to the human spirit. They reminded us that our scars are not symbols of shame, they are stamps of survival. And as I walked out that evening into the cool Manama air, I realized something, I had forgotten to breathe. But I left with lungs full of courage, a heart full of awe, and a soul that had just witnessed greatness. Honoring Academic Excellence A special Academic Felicitation Ceremony recognized top-performing students from New India School, Asian School, New Millennium School, New Horizons, and The Indian School. Principals proudly joined their achievers on stage as their names were displayed, celebrating excellence and dedication in front of a distinguished audience. Shaikha won the Riyadh Duathlon (5krun, 20kbike, 2.5krun) Shaikh at the Dubai Fitness Challenge Snaps from Ironman 70.3 hel in Bahrain Dr. Arunima Sinha speaks at the Leela Jashanmal Memorial Lecture The world's first female amputee to climb Mount Everest in 2013 and the first female amputee to climb Mount Vinson, the highest peak of Antarctica. India's PM Modi congratulates 'pride of India' Arunima Sinha Opening address from ILA President Smitha Jensen
Bahrain This Week
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Bahrain This Week
Live FM 107.2 Hosts Unforgettable Experience for ILA Sneha Recreation Centre Children
Live FM 107.2 recently opened its doors and studios to the children of the Indian Ladies Association (ILA) Bahrain's Sneha Recreation Centre, providing an enriching and unforgettable experience that underscored the radio station's commitment to community engagement and inclusivity. This special visit, championed by ILA President Smitha Jensen, saw the children delve into the vibrant world of radio broadcasting. The team at Live FM 107.2, known for its dynamic programming, extended a particularly warm welcome to the young visitors. At the heart of this immersive experience were the station's popular RJs, Noor and Shibu, who hosted the children during their 'Live Drive' show. The RJs meticulously guided the children through the inner workings of a live radio station, enthusiastically explaining concepts of sound, music, and the fascinating art of communication. The palpable joy of the children as they engaged with the hosts and witnessed the energy of a live broadcast was a testament to the success of the initiative. The Indian Ladies Association expressed its deepest gratitude to Live FM 107.2 for their unwavering hospitality and profound commitment to inclusivity. The station's willingness to provide such a unique platform plays a vital role in empowering the children of Sneha Recreation Centre, offering them invaluable opportunities to interact with the wider community in significant and memorable ways. Smitha said 'A heartfelt thank you was specifically directed to the entire dedicated team at Live FM 107.2, for their pivotal role in creating such a special and lasting memory for the children. Their warmth, generosity, and active participation in this initiative have made a significant impact, marking this visit as a truly remarkable milestone in the ongoing journey of the Sneha Recreation Centre.' This collaboration between ILA and Live FM 107.2 exemplifies how community organizations and media outlets can work hand-in-hand to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.
Daily Tribune
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
ILA to Honour Brave Women
Stories of grit, survival, and leadership will take centre stage on May 31st as the Indian Ladies Association (ILA) Bahrain hosts its flagship annual event, the Leela Jashanmal Lecture 2025, at the BIBF Auditorium. This year's event will feature India's celebrated mountaineer Arunima Sinha and Bahrain's own para-athlete and motivational speaker Shaikha Al Shaiba, highlighting narratives of overcoming physical challenges and societal barriers. Honouring resilience Arunima, a former national volleyball player, made global headlines as the first female amputee to scale Mount Everest after losing her leg in a train attack in 2011. She went on to conquer six other major peaks, becoming a symbol of courage and willpower. Joining her on stage will be Shaikha Al Shaiba, who has represented Bahrain internationally and is known for her passionate advocacy of para-sports and inclusion. ILA, which was established in 1956 and is Bahrain's oldest expatriate women's charity, will also recognise the achievements of Bahraini para-athletes at the event in collaboration with the Bahrain Disabled Sports Federation. Legacy of dialogue Named after ILA's founder, the Leela Jashanmal Lecture honours women who break barriers. Past speakers have included India's leading reformers and changemakers such as Dr Kiran Bedi, Prof Shanta Sinha, and Dr Vandana Shiva. Through this platform, ILA continues to encourage dialogue around empowerment, diversity, and leadership. Now in its 69th year, ILA says the event celebrates 'the enduring power of compassion, companionship, and cultural exchange' between Indian women and their Bahraini peers. The organisers also encourage media to engage in preevent interviews and postevent coverage to expand the reach of the inspirational messages shared. The event will be held from 5 PM to 7 PM and is open to the public.
