Latest news with #ofRecords
Observer
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
Creating a World with Stencils
When Covid-19 confined the world indoors, few anticipated it would ignite a remarkable creative revolution. For Aliya Ziyad, a Year 12 student at Indian School Mabela, this unexpected pause became the catalyst for an extraordinary artistic journey she had never imagined. At first, Aliya's world was turned upside down, watching mesmerising images on television and dreaming of recreating them. Her curiosity grew into an unwavering passion — how could she transform simple stencils into vibrant masterpieces? With perseverance and determination, she overcame her doubts, turning her ideas into record-breaking reality. Starting from scratch, Aliya immersed herself in the world of stencil art, emulating everything she observed. Her early sketches, born amidst online lessons and lockdowns, began attracting attention. What started as mere experimentation gradually flourished into a remarkable artistic career, earning her fame not only across Oman but internationally. Today, Aliya's name is synonymous with mastery in Mandala art, Arabic calligraphy, doodle art, and fabric painting. Her work resonates with art enthusiasts throughout Oman, inspiring admiration with each piece. Without formal training, she taught herself through online tutorials, turning digital guidance into tangible art. Her portfolio is truly extraordinary: over 300 portraits, each painstakingly crafted through stencil art. Her subjects include prominent figures such as Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, the legendary Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Indian politician Pinarayi Vijayan, international film stars, business magnates like M.A. Yusuff Ali, Jawaharlal Nehru, and numerous cultural icons from around the globe. Many of her artworks are heartfelt gifts to visitors in Oman, poignant tokens of admiration. Aliya's talent has earned her accolades such as the India Book of Records, along with international honours from the World Book of Records and the Asia Book of Records. Her achievements stand as a testament to her dedication and innate artistic flair. Recently, her innovative fusion of traditional folk art—Theyyam and Kathakali—using vivid acrylic colours has captivated many in the Sultanate. Her painting vividly depicts Theyyam, a festival from North Kerala celebrated for its fierce facial expressions and vibrant face paint, capturing its essence of strength and spirituality. The bold reds and whites evoke both passion and divine energy, transforming her work into a cultural celebration. What is most impressive is her ability to finish many of her works within just a few days—each piece a stunning illustration of talent, commitment, and deep cultural pride. Born to Ziyad and Jumi, passionate social workers in Muscat, Aliya is not merely an artist — she is an inspiring, multi-talented young woman. Her sister, Amina, currently pursuing MBBS in Egypt, is also active in extra-curricular and cultural activities, reflecting a family rooted in service, creativity, and ambition. Aliya's story exemplifies how dreams, nurtured with perseverance and passion, can blossom into inspiring realities — proof that art truly has the power to create entire worlds.
The Star
25-06-2025
- The Star
No summit is too high for this senior Malaysian mountaineer
'You cannot die,' RJ Nagarajan recalls his Sherpa, Ashok, saying upon hearing his faint, barely audible 'Let's go' uttered between his shallow, near-nonexistent breaths. RJ, as he is fondly known among family and mountaineering friends, had been left alone just 200 metres from Mount Everest Camp 4 (7,920 metres above sea level), after being dragged down by his Sherpas during their descent of the mighty Everest. 'I was left alone — temporarily blind in one eye, freezing, gasping for air with my oxygen supply running out,' he continues, 'assuming I wouldn't survive.' However, Ashok and his colleagues returned and found him barely alive. He was eventually rescued and airlifted to the nearest hospital. That was probably RJ's most harrowing and transformational expedition — one that left a lasting impact on him emotionally, spiritually, and physically. 'It was more than an expedition. It became a test of everything I believed in — purpose, resilience, faith, and the power of the human spirit,' says RJ, who became the second Malaysian to climb the highest mountains on all seven continents after summiting Mount Everest in May 2023. RJ (right) gamely signing his second book, Walking on Clouds, despite losing parts of his fingers to Everest. In true RJ fashion, he turned that near-death experience into something deeply meaningful. 'I lost parts of my fingers to frostbite, but I gained something far more valuable – perspective. What got me through were two things: Purpose and people. Reconnecting with my purpose gave me direction again; and the people – my family, my niece, my friends, even strangers – became my oxygen when I had none.' RJ with a local during a trekking holiday in Pakistan. Seven summits and then some Born Thillaimuthu Nagarajan 60 years ago, RJ was officially recognised by the Malaysian Book of Records as the first Malaysian to conquer the seven Summits (+ 2) Challenge – the ultimate feat of reaching the highest summits on each continent with two additional peaks. Apart from Mount Everest, RJ summitted Mount Denali (North America), Mount Aconcagua (South America), Mount Vinson (Antarctica), Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa), Mount Elbrus (Russia), and Mont Blanc (France) for Europe, and finally the Asia-Oceania duo: Mount Carstensz or Puncak Jaya (Indonesia) and Mount Kosciuszko (Australia). Not only that, the Kuala Lumpur-born mountaineer and leadership coach scored a hat-trick, having completed three distinct versions of the challenge: The Bass List, Messner List, and Hackett List – a unique achievement for a Malaysian, as recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records. But grit and physical prowess are not the only items RJ brought to all these expeditions. In his backpack, together with his mountaineering equipment is one thing he never leaves home without: The Jalur Gemilang. 'I made it a point to carry our flag and proudly share stories about Malaysia wherever I went. People would ask about our culture, food, even our unique Malaysian spirit. It wasn't just about personal achievement. It was about representing Malaysia and showing that we, too, can dream big and dare greatly.' The coolest challenge yet Even after staring death in the face on Everest, RJ refuses to trade his ice axe for a quieter life. While others his age might dream of lazy retirement, he's busy plotting his next conquest: The frozen frontiers of the Earth itself – the North and South Poles. For him, the adventure extends beyond the physical. 'It's no longer just about conquering peaks, it's about exploring what's possible, both outside and within. Every expedition is a journey inward as much as it is outward,' he reasons. The author of two books – The Strategy Transformation Playbook and Walking on Clouds – is now in the midst of preparation for the South Pole expedition, scheduled in December this year, and the North Pole four months later. 'The poles represent the next frontier – extreme, unforgiving, and incredibly meaningful, challenging not just the body, but mindset, preparation, and purpose,' he says. After the poles, RJ plans to climb 11 more 8,000-metre peaks – all before the end of 2028. A life of arduous climbs RJ's journey to the summit wasn't an easy one – it began long before he ever set foot on a mountain. Growing up in an urban poor family, life itself was his first uphill battle. Every challenge he faced became a lesson, shaping the resilience that would later define him as a mountaineer. The mountains didn't give him grit – they just revealed what was already there. 'I still remember waking up early to deliver karipap to tea stalls before school,' he recalls. 'We didn't have much, but those days taught me the grit I rely on even today.' Formal education wasn't a straightforward path for RJ. 'School was a real struggle,' he says, adding that he only managed to complete basic schooling. Undeterred by the challenges, RJ took the long, arduous road of part-time studies and night school, which culminated with an impressive academic portfolio of 20 certifications, an Executive MBA from Harvard Business School in the United States and an MBA from University of Leicester, in Britain among other achievements. But his journey is far from over, he assures. RJ is currently pursuing a PhD in Neuropsychology in Leadership because, 'Learning never stops,' he says. Although he is quite the avid adventurer now, RJ says that he only rediscovered his inner adventurer – that fearless, nature-loving boy who once chased horizons – when he was in his late 40s. 'I was very active in sports when I was younger, but due to economic pressures, I had to put that aside and focus on work and part-time studies instead,' he says. A few decades later, he found his way back to his active lifestyle, starting with short jogs, then marathons, trail runs, and eventually, the mountains. 'Discovering the outdoors again at that stage of life completely shifted how I saw myself. The mountains became both my classroom and my mirror.' Malaysian Everest peakers, (from left) RJ Nagarajan, Datuk Mohanadas Nagappan and Datuk M. Magendran. Off the trek Outside the mountains, RJ has his schedule filled with consulting work, coaching sessions, writing, physical training and preparing for the next leadership programme or expedition. 'Even when I'm not on an expedition, I live with purpose. I train intentionally, I write, I mentor. I make time for quiet, too. That's just as important,' says the business strategy consultant who is now working on his third book. For his training, RJ believes that smart training beats hard training, especially considering his age and the demanding expeditions he's taking. 'At this stage, it's not just about staying fit, it's about being intentional with how I train, recover, and manage energy,' he says. He follows a structured regime that combines strength training, endurance work, mobility exercises, and functional movement, all tailored to prepare him for high-altitude and polar conditions. 'I work with a fitness trainer to help keep my body strong and injury-free, and a yoga coach to guide me through breath work and mindfulness practices, and along with a sports masseuse to help with muscle recovery and circulation,' he adds. For RJ, travel isn't just about seeing new places; it's about understanding the stories, struggles, and spirit of the people. Nutrition plays a big role too, RJ adds, along with quality sleep and active recovery. 'I still enjoy my local food, don't get me wrong – but I balance it out. Life should be lived with discipline and delight,' he says. RJ is also active in community initiatives that focus on inspiring transformation through adventure, mindset, and purpose, regularly speaking to youth groups, corporate teams, and institutions like the National University of Singapore. 'I regularly speak on topics such as purpose, mindset, and transformational leadership - helping individuals reconnect with what truly drives them, especially in the second half of life.' 'It's part of my broader mission to show that growth, adventure, and reinvention are possible, no matter your age or background,' he concludes.
The Citizen
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Benoekie to get a new coat of icing
Benoekie to get a new coat of icing At the beginning of last year, Westdene baker Yolandi Palmer went on a baking frenzy, endeavouring to create the biggest shortbread-sugar cookie, worthy of Guinness Book of Records recognition. George's Bread & Co, at the K90 Centre, supported the owner of Rain Baking's vision, donating baking supplies as well making its industrial kitchen available for Yolandi to whip up her giant delicacy. Through careful assembly, the Giant Benoekie (Benoni koekie), as it was dubbed, went on sale, on February 17 at Grasslands Driving Range. Measuring 2.7m x 1.5m and consisting of 82 eggs, 12kg of butter and 20.5kg of flour, covered in 50kg of royal icing, sales of the biscuit generated R7 000. Proceeds were donated to local charity organisations Huis Thandi, Huis Charis Youth Centre and Clean Projects. Scrutinising her recipe and dabbling with quantities, Yolandi once again emerged from her kitchen with a plume of flour, announcing that she would showcase the Benoekie 2.0 and official record attempt, at the Benoni Beer and Gin Festival, at Benoni Northerns, on June 1. Cracking 350 eggs while 26kg of sugar and 52kg of butter was creamed, 37 pans containing cookie dough were once again wheeled into the pre-heated ovens at George's. Sadly, Guinness Book of Records pulled their noses up at the 5.4m x 3m cookie. In their response to Yolandi's entry, the international committee elected not to enter the attempt, citing that a sugar cookie variant category is not currently available and that one will not be created in the foreseeable future. Despite having her dreams dashed, sales of the scrumptious biscuit raised in excess of R18 000. Funds raised were donated to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), Stand Against Suicide and iKhaya da Luz Children's Home. Now, more than a year after her first attempt, Yolandi wants to use her famed Benoekie as a vehicle to aid communities as well as community projects throughout South Africa. 'Guinness Book of Records may not have taken the sweet bait but that did not cause my vigour to crumble,' she said, a hint of excitement gleaming in her eyes. 'The Benoekie project proved two things; it has the aroma of being a great fundraising tool and has the potential of unifying a community to rise.' Keeping the oven door securely closed on what's cooking in her recipe book of surprises, she said the proof will definitely be in the pudding. 'I am planning to whip up an exciting new Benoekie project but before I can crack any eggs, I need to enlist the help of administrative guru's,' she said. 'I am looking for a legal-eagle, who would be able to assist in trademarking the Benoekie thus, keeping it as secure as a granny's secret ingredients. I am also looking for a magic marketer who could help me in marketing the roll-out of the next chapter of the project.' Anyone willing to assist is urged to contact Yolandi on 076 500 4393 or email rainbaking13@ ALSO READ: Benoekie 2.0 cake sale a success ALSO READ: FOLLOW-UP: That's the way the cookie crumbles for charity! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Star
02-05-2025
- The Star
Climb Mount Kinabalu, post on social media, send a postcard
Teo showing off one of the postcards available at Panalaban on Mount Kinabalu. – Bernama The enhancement of postal services on Mount Kinabalu in Sabah is expected to improve the quality of the tourist experience, particularly by keeping pace with technological advancements, said Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching. She said the availability of postal services on Mount Kinabalu is more than just a facility – it serves as an iconic symbol of one-way communication from the country's highest peak, providing visitors with a meaningful memento. "I climbed Mount Kinabalu to observe the upgrades as part of efforts to promote the enhanced postal services available on the mountain, including uniquely designed limited-edition postcards and the introduction of a new cancellation stamp specifically for postcards sent from Mount Kinabalu,' she told reporters at Kinabalu Park in Ranau recently. Mount Kinabalu or Aki Nabalu in Kadazandusun stands at 4,095.2m and is located in the Ranau district, about 90km from Kota Kinabalu. Pos Malaysia launched its first post box on Mount Kinabalu in 2015, earning a place in the Malaysia Book of Records as the highest-altitude post box in the country, located 3,289m above sea level. Meanwhile, in a statement on the programme, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said that as part of ongoing efforts to improve telecommunications services in high-altitude areas, a service quality testing session was carried out using the MCMC Nexus application. According to the statement, the application developed by MCMC allows for monitoring, comprehensive evaluation, and analysis focused on customer experience, including at key touchpoints such as Mount Kinabalu. "The MADANI government, through the Communications Ministry and MCMC, will continue strengthening communications infrastructure in strategic tourism areas such as Mount Kinabalu for the comfort of visitors. "Ongoing cooperation between government agencies, telecommunications service providers, and relevant stakeholders is crucial in realising the agenda of enhancing postal services,' it said. The statement also noted that the fields of communications and postal services not only improve accessibility for the public and tourists but also help elevate Malaysia's reputation in preparation for Visit Malaysia 2026. – Bernama
Time of India
29-04-2025
- General
- Time of India
Sambhajinagar boy sets record as fastest to recite squares of numbers up to 200
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Saarth Gandhi , a student from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar , entered the Asia Book of Records and the India Book of Records for being the fastest to recite the squares of numbers from 1 to 200. The Class VI student set the record in six minutes and 54 seconds. While the feat was officially performed on March 31, the aforesaid organisations awarded certificates of recognition to the boy on April 23. Saarth said he entered the record books due to constant support and encouragement from his parents, Siddharth and Dr Sayali, along with mentor Anand Mahajan. "I had the habit of memorising tables, squares, flashcards, playing cards, and excerpts from books. My parents felt I was exceptional in memorising and encouraged me," he said. Saarth's mother, Sayali, a dentist, said she realised her son has a photographic memory. "Having a background in medical science, I realised that my son was more gifted than others. We kept giving him tasks that he performed effortlessly. Entering the record books is the icing on the cake," she said.
