Regional retail destination LuLu Hypermarket Qatar is celebrating India’s 77th Republic Day with the launch of ‘India Utsav’, a vibrant cultural and retail festival showcasing the richness, diversity, and excellence of India across its hypermarkets in Qatar.The festival features an extensive range of Indian food products, spices, authentic regional cuisines, traditional ethnic apparel, handicrafts, and speciality products, offering customers an immersive experience of India’s cultural and manufacturing heritage.'India Utsav' also highlights India’s growing strength in innovation, quality manufacturing, and traditional craftsmanship, appealing to both citizens and expatriate communities.**media[409198]**Organised annually by LuLu Group for over two decades across all its operating regions, the 10-day festival is held to commemorate India’s Republic Day. This year’s 'India Utsav' promotion will run until February 2, 2026.The festival was officially inaugurated by Indian ambassador Vipul at LuLu Hypermarket, Al Gharafa, in the presence of LuLu Group Global director Dr Mohamed Althaf, Qatari dignitaries, guests, representatives of Indian community organisations, senior officials of LuLu Group, and a large gathering from the Indian and expatriate communities.As part of the celebration, LuLu hypermarkets are featuring a wide selection of Indian products, including organic and speciality items sourced from various regions of India.With over 5,000 Indian-origin products imported by LuLu Group — spanning FMCG items, private label ranges, fresh fruits and vegetables, packaged foods, household essentials, kitchenware, and traditional garments — India remains an integral part of LuLu’s year-round retail offering across the region.**media[409199]**As a key highlight of this year’s celebrations, LuLu Hypermarket Qatar has curated over 100 district-specific products from across India under the Government of India’s One District One Product (ODOP) initiative. The initiative aims to provide a high-visibility global platform for artisans, MSMEs, and small-scale producers, in line with the vision of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to promote balanced regional development.The special ODOP selection showcases unique products representing individual districts, including Kannauj attar, ceramics, metal and brassware crafts, wooden handicrafts, carpets, Banarasi silk sarees, brass urulis, and indigenous food heritage products. From Kerala, the renowned Aranmula mirror and Mannar brass uruli stand out as major highlights of the festival.Addressing the gathering, the ambassador said: “India will celebrate its 77th Republic Day on January 26, and it is a privilege to mark this important occasion here in Qatar. I sincerely thank the leadership and people of Qatar for their generosity and continued support for the Indian community, which contributes actively to this beautiful country through its work, businesses, and services.”He said, “I am especially pleased to be here at LuLu, a name that makes Indians proud not only in Qatar but across the world. LuLu has built a remarkable global enterprise while consistently bringing high-quality products from India to international markets. Through initiatives such as 'India Utsav,' organised on our national days, LuLu beautifully showcases India’s culture, traditions, and products, and I thank the Lulu Group for their strong and continued support.”Vipul also said, “India and Qatar share deep cultural connections — from Karak chai and biryani to textiles and traditional products — and LuLu plays an important role in bringing these shared traditions together under one roof.”**media[409200]**The ambassador said Republic Day is also a celebration of India’s Constitution, founded on the values of liberty, justice, equality, and fraternity, which continue to guide India’s progress. He noted that India is among the world’s fastest-growing major economies, recording growth of around 7.5 to 8%, with significant advances in development, science, technology, and emerging areas such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing.He further highlighted the strong and growing partnership between India and Qatar, noting that following the State Visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to India in 2025, bilateral ties were elevated to a strategic partnership. High-level exchanges have since continued, including the visit of India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, during which the launch of the UPI at LuLu underscored the expanding economic and technological co-operation between the two countries.“On this Republic Day, I express my heartfelt gratitude to the leadership and people of Qatar for their continued support to the Indian community,” Vipul added.The 'India Utsav' campaign underscores LuLu Group’s continued commitment to strengthening trade linkages, promoting cultural exchange, and bringing authentic products from India to shoppers across the region through its extensive retail network.The celebrations were further enriched by vibrant cultural performances by students of Podar Pearl School, whose presentations added colour, energy, and youthful vibrancy to the event, reinforcing the cultural spirit of 'India Utsav' and deepening people-to-people connections between India and Qatar.

His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani on Monday was elected president of the Olympic Council of Asia in Uzbek capital Tashkent where the entire sports fraternity of the world's largest continent was present. The 46th General Assembly of OCA on Monday elected Sheikh Joaan - the current chairman of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) - as its new 'young, dynamic and passionate leader' who promised to provide forward-thinking leadership across Asian sports. "Together, let's work towards a more united, stronger, and successful OCA. Together for Asia," Sheikh Joaan said on Monday in his acceptance speech. "Through unity, we transform diversity into opportunity. We empower our National Olympic Committees and we provide a platform for our youth to excel on the world's sporting stage," Sheikh Joaan added. "I will work to strengthen solidarity among Asian countries, ensure good governance, and support the sustainable development of sports. **media[409296]** "Asia is the largest and most diverse continent within the Olympic family. This diversity is our greatest strength. But it also requires us to work in unity, guided by mutual respect and our shared commitment to the Olympic values," the new OCA chief said. "I will strive to enhance joint efforts and effective partnerships with various stakeholders of the Olympic Movement in a manner that serves the development of Asian sports," he added. The OCA posted on X on Monday: "We extend our sincerest congratulations to His Excellency Sheikh Jowan bin Hamad al-Thani on the occasion of his election as President of the Olympic Council of Asia. This day marks the beginning of a new chapter in the journey of the sports movement across the Asian continent, grounded in vision and sustainable excellence." The post added: "Under his leadership, the Asian Sports Family looks forward to a new stage of growth, innovation, and strengthening unity across various parts of the region.Sheikh Joaan paid tributes to his predecessor Raja Randhir Singh of India. He said on Monday: "I wish to express my sincere appreciation to my dear friend His Excellency Mr. Raja Randhir Singh for his leadership, vision, and tireless efforts during challenging times." HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Minister of Sports and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, via the X platform, said: "I congratulate my brother, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, on his election as President of the Olympic Council of Asia, wishing him success and prosperity in leading the path of Asian sports and strengthening joint work between the National Olympic Committees." HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid al-Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, said on X: "I congratulate my brother, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, on the occasion of his election as President of the Olympic Council of Asia. Sheikh Joaan is a distinguished sports figure; through his expertise and experience, he will contribute greatly to elevating the level of the Olympic movement across the continent of Asia. We wish him success in this mission." **media[409295]** Saudi Arabia's Olympic team account on X said: "Congratulations. Team Saudi extends its congratulations to His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani following his election as President of the Olympic Council of Asia." Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim, President of the Asian Football Confederation, said: "I congratulate His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani on his election as President of the Olympic Council of Asia. The election of Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad is a qualitative addition to the Asian sports movement. This step reflects the confidence of the Asian sports family in His Excellency and his ability to lead OCA towards broad horizons of excellence and development. Sheikh Joaan's presidency of the Olympic Council of Asia will have a direct positive impact on the future of the sports movement in Asia." During the OCA General Assembly President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev awarded Sheikh Joaan the Sports Excellence Medal. After receiving the medal, OCA President Sheikh Jaan said on Monday: "I am proud to receive this medal. I speak on the behalf of all of us (OCA) today, I express our gratitude to you (President of Uzbekistan) for your warm hospitality amd succesful hposting of this General Assembly. Thank you." The presidents of Asian sports federations were also present in Tashkent as was Dahlan Jumaan Al Hamad, the Qatari chief of Asian Athletics Association.Mohammed Yousef al-Mana, First Vice President of QOC, termed it was 'a historic day' and that 'the OCA will witness a significant transformation in the coming period'. Established in November 1982, the OCA is the governing body for the 45 National Olympic Committees across the continent. Headquartered in Kuwait City, the OCA is responsible for coordinating regional sports activities and overseeing major international events, most notably the Asian Games and the Asian Winter Games, which are held every four years. The Strategic Pillars In his address to the assembly, Sheikh Joaan also outlined the specific commitments of his presidency, often referred to as his "roadmap" for the council:** Solidarity: Strengthening support and development for all National Olympic Committees across Asia.** Athletic Excellence: Providing better platforms for Asian athletes to succeed globally.** Good Governance: Promoting transparency and ethical standards within the organization.** Responsible Innovation: Embracing digital transformation and AI in sports while maintaining integrity.** Sustainability: Ensuring that OCA events (like the Asian Games) are economically and environmentally sustainable.** Peace & Culture: Positioning sport as a "universal language of peace, mutual respect, and cultural understanding."

Halal beauty is often misunderstood as a niche segment, but for Dr Sari Chairunnisa, Deputy CEO and Head of R&D at ParagonCorp, Indonesia’s largest cosmetics manufacturer producing over 185 million units annually, it represents universal values. Its brands are 100% halal-certified, and the company has leveraged this ethical foundation alongside cutting-edge science and women-led innovation to emerge as a global beauty force.Over the years, the company has steadily evolved into a formidable player in the international cosmetics market. Commanding nearly a quarter of Indonesia’s domestic market, it has outpaced several multinational competitors—not through aggressive branding, but through a consistent focus on values, consumer trust, and long-term impact.At the heart of this success lies a purpose-driven vision. In in-depth interviews with the Gulf Times among other international media outlets coinciding with its Beuaty Science Technology 2026 Summit in Jakarta, celebrating 40 years of operation, Dr Chairunnisa highlighted how Paragon’s founding philosophy continues to shape its global ambitions.“From day one, our core principle has always been about how the company can bring benefits to others,” she said. “As we expand globally, this value continues to guide us.”Founded by Dr Chairunnisa’s mother, a trained pharmacist with prior experience in the haircare industry, the company began modestly, driven by a simple goal: create jobs and deliver trustworthy products. Over time, that local purpose evolved into a broader mission—bringing goodness through beauty while empowering women to feel represented and confident.“We believe in bringing goodness through good products and helping women in other regions feel confident about themselves,” Dr Chairunnisa said.Balancing vision with a dynamic industryThe beauty industry is among the most dynamic sectors globally, with trends, technology, and consumer expectations shifting rapidly. Dr Chairunnisa explained that the company balances long-term strategy with short-term agility through a consumer-focused approach.“Everything revolves around delighting the consumer,” she said. “To do that, we must quickly capture what they want and understand which technologies can help meet those needs.”Immediate innovations—be it product launches, research initiatives, or adoption of new technologies—are seen as integral steps toward a consistent, consumer-driven strategy rather than reactive measures.Halal as ethics, not just complianceThe company’s association with halal beauty spans nearly three decades, beginning with a simple question from a friend of the founder: how could a consumer be sure that what she applied to her lips was halal, particularly during daily religious practices such as ablution?“Halal is often misunderstood as purely religious compliance,” Dr Chairunnisa said. “In reality, halal is about ethics—how something is created, whether it is honest, transparent, and responsible.”Misleading claims, unethical sourcing, lack of transparency, or disregard for environmental impact all contradict halal principles. In this way, halal serves as a comprehensive ethical framework encompassing sustainability, consumer honesty, and quality assurance.The company believes these values have global relevance. Just as concepts like ikigai have transcended cultural boundaries, halal principles rooted in ethics and responsibility are resonating increasingly with conscious consumers worldwide.A universal and inclusive conceptWhile often perceived as niche, halal beauty has broad appeal. Research shows that in Indonesia, non-Muslim consumers also view halal products as safe, natural, and sustainable. In Jakarta, for example, some churches incorporate halal products into CSR fundraisers because of their trustworthiness and inclusivity.“People everywhere care about whether a product is safe, ethical, and environmentally responsible,” Dr Chairunnisa said. “These concerns are universal, not limited to religion.”Behind its ethical stance, the company invests heavily in scientific research and innovation. Product development begins with basic research, supported by nearly 200 genomic and microbiome datasets from Indonesian populations, with collaborations extending to Singapore and the UK through Oxford-based partnerships.“We don’t just look at skin types—we study populations deeply,” Dr Chairunnisa explained.Transparency is central to this research philosophy - Through Beauty Science Technology 2026-hosted events and discussions held last week, the company openly shared its use of global raw materials and formulations, collaborating with international partners including BASF, Dow Chemical, and top laboratories worldwide.Paragon’s credibility is reinforced by participation in global scientific forums such as the International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists, and recognition in competitions by Cosmetic & Toiletries magazine in New Jersey, where it has won 11 awards, underscoring its globally accepted standards.Women-led innovation and cultureLeadership at the company naturally evolved to be women-led, driven by its founder. Dr Chairunnisa noted that female leadership fosters listening, empathy, and empowerment.“Often, people don’t need instructions—they need to be listened to,” she said.Today, nearly 80% of the workforce is under 30, with women comprising the majority. The company invests in infrastructure, safety, and flexible systems to support professional growth alongside family responsibilities. Its career-post HR system allows employees to access guidance beyond direct managers, while the Board maintains a 50-50 gender balance, demonstrating that leadership and family life can coexist.Fostering global women leaders: The Qatar connectionThe company’s commitment to women’s leadership gained international momentum with a Memorandum of Understanding with Al Mujadilah Qatar, part of the Qatar Foundation, aimed at nurturing future women leaders and strengthening the global halal ecosystem.Dr Chairunnisa explained that the name Al Mujadilah, from a Quranic verse in which a woman questions the Prophet and is heard, symbolizes women’s strong voices and leadership. Since signing the MoU in August, women leaders from Indonesia have participated in the program, with further collaborations planned to connect young women leaders across Southeast Asia and the Middle East.The company sees Qatar and the GCC as strategic markets for halal and ethical beauty, citing progressive thinking, population growth, established grooming habits, and strong halal awareness. Regulatory alignment with Indonesia and the EU, coupled with geographic proximity to Europe and Africa, positions the region as a gateway for global expansion.“This region will be one of the next major growth areas for beauty,” Dr Chairunnisa said.Looking ahead, Dr Chairunnisa envisions a beauty industry that is data-driven, precise, biologically intelligent, and sustainable, with greater representation across cultures. The company aims to expand its brands into more countries, reaching more consumers and delivering wider social and economic benefits. Europe and Africa are particularly on the horizon, with the GCC playing a central role in connecting the company to new global markets.In the coming weeks, the company will further strengthen its regional presence by participating in leading international events in Qatar—the GEM Summit (January 28–29) and Jadal (January 31-February 2)—exploring new partnerships and showcasing its commitment to halal and ethical beauty on the global stage. “Halal and ethical beauty represent universal values. We hope these values will reach more people around the world—not only through beauty, but across industries,” Dr Chairunnisa concluded.