The Skills Development Centre (SDC), a prestigious institution renowned for its commitment to cultural and educational excellence in Qatar, marked its 22nd anniversary with a series of grand events culminating in the two-day extravaganza, ‘Swaralaya 2024.’
The celebrations began on November 1, 2024, with a photo exhibition inaugurated by MA Baby, former Minister for General Education of Kerala. The exhibition beautifully showcased SDC’s illustrious journey over the past two decades.
Adding to the grandeur of the opening day was a live Carnatic vocal performance by renowned playback singer Vrinda Menon, whose melodious renditions enthralled the audience and set a soulful tone for the celebrations.
The main event, held on November 8 and 9, 2024, at the DPS Modern Indian School Auditorium in Al Wakra, was a testament to SDC’s legacy of nurturing talent and fostering artistic and cultural growth in Qatar’s vibrant community.
With a history steeped in dedication to the arts and education, this milestone celebration brought together an array of distinguished guests, talented students, faculty, and an enthusiastic audience to revel in two days of music, dance, and creativity.
Established in 2002 by PN Baburajan, one of the most respected and known members of the Indian community in Qatar, the Skills Development Centre began its journey with just 50 students. Guided by Baburajan’s vision and dedication, the institution steadily expanded its horizons and has achieved the unique distinction of training more than 2,000 students annually today.
From its humble beginnings, SDC has grown into a cultural beacon, providing a nurturing platform for students to explore and excel in diverse disciplines, including Indian classical dance, music, guitar, keyboard, piano, violin, tabla, fine arts, karate, yoga, robotics, Vedic Mathematics, and personality development.
This journey of excellence has not only enriched the lives of its students but also contributed significantly to Qatar’s multicultural community, fostering connections and preserving the rich traditions of Indian art forms. Over two decades, SDC has empowered individuals from all walks of life, giving them the confidence to perform on stage and, more importantly, in life.
The two-day main celebrations commenced on November 8, 2024, with an elaborate inauguration ceremony graced by a stellar lineup of dignitaries. The chief guests for the evening included HE Mr. Vipul, Ambassador of India to Qatar, Ambassador HE Abdulrahman Mohammed S Al Khulaifi, Chairman, SDC and Jamal Fayez from the Ministry of Culture. Accompanying them as guests of honor were JK Menon, director of Norka Roots and chairman of Bhavans Public School, and Major Jarallah Salem Al Nabet, representing the Community Policing Department.
The dignitaries, in their inspiring speeches, commended SDC for its two-decade-long journey, highlighting its pivotal role in shaping young minds, fostering cultural diversity, and building bridges within Qatar’s multicultural society. Their words resonated with the audience, setting the tone for a celebration of talent, tradition, and triumph.
The evening began with a mesmerising music fusion performance by SDC’s music department, seamlessly blending traditional and modern elements to captivate the audience. The stage then came alive with a series of dazzling performances.
The students of Indian classical dance enthralled the audience with Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, and Kuchipudi, showcasing their skill, discipline, and dedication to preserving the rich traditions of Indian classical art forms. Karate students exhibited discipline and strength with riveting demonstrations, while budding musicians displayed their prowess on the keyboard, guitar, piano, drums, violin, and tabla.
The evening also featured energetic cinematic and semi-classical dances, folk dances, and a ramp walk by Personality Development students, adding vibrancy and glamour to the program. An art exhibition by SDC’s Drawing students showcased their creativity and skill, earning widespread admiration for its depth and diversity.
The highlight of the evening was a yoga performance, blending serenity and strength, leaving the audience inspired by the harmony of body and mind.
The second day of ‘Swaralaya 2024,’ held on November 9, 2024, continued the momentum with an equally grand and exhilarating lineup of performances. Chief Guest Thaha Muhammad Abdul Kareem, president of the Indian Business and Professionals Council (IBPC), graced the occasion along with guests of honor Subramanaya Hebbagelu, vice president of the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC), Deepak Shetty, vice president of the Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF) and Nihad Ali, general secretary of the Indian Sports Centre.
The day began with a vibrant Western music ensemble, where students skillfully performed on instruments like the keyboard, guitar, and piano, captivating the audience with their harmonious melodies. The celebrations continued with a fusion music performance that showcased the versatility of SDC’s students, blending classical and contemporary styles to enthrall the crowd.
The students of music delivered masterful renditions, exploring intricate Ragam and Talam, drawing thunderous applause for their impeccable technique and emotional depth. This was followed by a breathtaking tabla performance and a dynamic karate demonstration, both of which exemplified discipline and artistry.
The grand finale was a visual and auditory feast, with a classical dance performance presented by SDC’s talented students. Dressed in vibrant costumes, their seamless choreography and graceful movements mesmerized the audience, earning a standing ovation.
The day also featured captivating Zumba, semi-classical, and folk-dance performances, adding variety to the program and ensuring that every genre of artistry was celebrated.
The art exhibition, inaugurated on the first day, continued to be a major attraction, drawing admiration from attendees for its vibrant and intricate artworks created by SDC’s Drawing students. The exhibition reflected the breadth of talent nurtured by the institution and its emphasis on holistic development.
‘Swaralaya 2024’ was not just a celebration of SDC’s achievements but also a reaffirmation of its mission to inspire and empower individuals through art, culture, and education. The event highlighted the institution’s role as a cultural beacon in Qatar, creating a platform where tradition meets innovation and talent finds expression.
SDC’s journey is a source of inspiration for aspiring artists and educators alike. Its ability to remain steadfast in its mission while embracing modern educational tools and methodologies has ensured its relevance in an ever-changing world. As the institution looks toward the future, it remains committed to building a community where art, culture, and education thrive in harmony.
As the curtains fell on ‘Swaralaya 2024,’ the applause and cheers of the audience echoed the success of the event. With its unwavering commitment to excellence, SDC has not only celebrated its past achievements but also set the stage for an even brighter future. The institution remains dedicated to its vision of nurturing talent, preserving tradition, and fostering unity through art and education.
The 22nd anniversary celebrations of SDC were a testament to the power of culture and community, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present. With its legacy of excellence and an eye on the future, SDC continues to inspire generations, making a profound impact on Qatar’s cultural and artistic landscape. As it strides confidently into its next chapter, SDC exemplifies what can be achieved when passion, dedication, and community come together.
