Indian Overseas Congress, Bahrain hosts panel discussion on “redefining leadership”
Kingdom of Bahrain: The Indian Overseas Congress (IOC), Bahrain Chapter, successfully organized a compelling Panel Discussion and interaction session themed “Redefining Leadership” at the Park Regis Hotel, Lotus Hall, Bahrain. The event gathered distinguished community leaders, dignitaries, and professionals for an engaging dialogue on the evolving dynamics of leadership in today’s world.
Mr. Mohammad Mansoor, President of IOC Bahrain, welcomed the esteemed guests and speakers in his opening address. He expressed pride in being part of the Indian Overseas Congress and shared inspiration drawn from the vision of their global chairman, Shri Sam Pitroda. “Our chairman has championed the Build, Manage, and Maintain Platform to mobilize and empower overseas Indians. This platform not only strengthens international relations with and for India, but also unites us in our shared commitment to progress and unity,” said Mr. Mansoor.
The keynote speaker, Mathew Kuzhalnadan, Kerala Congress MLA, emphasized the critical need to redefine leadership by focusing on listening rather than imposing. He advocated for a leadership style that actively seeks and values public opinion, a concept that was applauded by all attendees as fresh and innovative.
Renowned journalist Mrs. Raji Unnikrishnan expertly moderated the event. H.E. Yusuf Lori, Director of the Capital Governorate, shared the dais as guest observer and praised the IOC Bahrain for organizing such a meaningful event. “This initiative will certainly add value to community leadership and should be continued to inspire and shape future leaders,” he stated.
The session saw enthusiastic participation from key community leaders who shared their perspectives on leadership in today’s world. Speakers included Mr. Binu Mannil, Chairman of India School Bahrain; Mr. Casious Perera, President of the Indian Club; Mr. Arshad Khan, Vice President of the Urdu Community Bahrain; Mr. Abraham John, President of the Kerala Catholic Association; Mr. Ajit Bagera, President of Kannada Sangha; Mrs. Fawzia Fareed, Vice President of the Indian Ladies Association; Anthony Paulose from Bahrain One Hospitality Group; and Mr. Sibin Thomas, President of the Indian Youth Cultural Centre (IYCC).
Moderator Mrs. Raji Unnikrishnan concluded the session by highlighting key takeaways and announcing plans for ongoing workshops aimed at enhancing youth leadership skills. Mr. Mathew provided an overview of these upcoming initiatives, stressing the importance of equipping young leaders to contribute meaningfully to society and strengthen community leadership.
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Real Madrid fines Valverde and Tchouaméni half a million euros each for altercation
Barcelona (AP): Real Madrid slapped players Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni with half-a-million-euro ($588,000) fines on Friday for their altercation during practice.
The massive fines came a day after the midfielders tussled when the team trained. Valverde said in a post on social media on Thursday that no punches were thrown. But Valverde knocked his head on a table and he suffered a small cut that required a brief hospital visit.
On social media, Valverde initially called it a “meaningless fight” with a teammate and said “everything has been blown out of proportion."
His employers, however, considered it a significant enough breach of team discipline to nail both Valverde and Tchouaméni with fines that bite even the bank account of a top soccer player. The half-a-million euro penalties reflect the reputational damage the club was enduring in a chaotic end to a disappointing season.
In a statement, the 15-time European champion said its disciplinary action was concluded after both players expressed to the club “their complete remorse for what happened and apologized to one another.”
Madrid added they also apologized to their teammates, the coaching staff and club supporters, as well as showing their willingness to accept whatever disciplinary action the club deemed “opportune.”
Tchouaméni was back training with Madrid on Friday, two days before they play at Barcelona in a clasico. Madrid has to win otherwise Barcelona will be crowned La Liga champion.
After being notified of the fine, he posted a public apology to the club and its fans on social media.
“What happened this week in training is unacceptable,” Tchouaméni wrote. "I say this while thinking about the example we are expected to set for young people, whether in football or at school.
“Above all, I am sorry for the image we projected of the club.”
Valverde was not at practice due to the head knock.
Both players are set to play in the World Cup next month, with Tchouaméni playing for France and Valverde for Uruguay.
Chaotic end to a poor season
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The run-in between the players, who for seasons have played side by side in Madrid's midfield, came after they argued this week in previous training sessions. But tempers boiled over on Thursday. Spanish media was rife with reports that the players previously disagreed over the club's decision to let coach Xabi Alonso go after just months on the job.
It was not the only altercation involving Madrid players during training this week. Álvaro Carreras confirmed he was in a “minor” incident with a teammate. Spanish media said he and fellow defender Antonio Rüdiger got into a scuffle.
Álvaro Arbeloa, the coach who was promoted from Madrid's reserve team when Alonso was fired in January, will face tough questions on what went wrong inside the changing room when he gives a press conference on Saturday ahead of the clasico at Camp Nou.
Madrid is facing a second consecutive campaign without a major trophy amid rumors in the Spanish media that club president Florentino Pérez is considering bringing back Jose Mourinho to straighten out his underperforming team.
