Heroes

Rotaract Club of Cairo Royal

Rotaract Club of H.R. College&

Present

Heroes

ROTARACT CAIRO ROYAL

The Legend Lives On...

We are all Heroes!The English dictionary defines a hero as “as a man or woman whose actions inspire others to be more courageous and do good.” I believe that “hero” is a small word with big meaning, possibly too big for definition. Heroism can’t be defined by more words. Another flow in that definition is that heroic actions don’t have to be witnessed to be heroic. A fireman who sacrifices his life to save a baby doesn’t necessarily inspire anyone but is most definitely a hero!

Rotaractors are exceptional people. People our age have the choice to advance their careers by over loading with work, study arduously for that perfect GPA, or even party hard with friends. Instead, Rotaractors choose to spend their time, money and effort helping the community and raising money for worthy issues. Anyone who makes that selfless choice is, in my opinion, a hero. Heroes, like energy, aren’t just created but are inspired greater heroes.

When we were approached to write about our heroes, members of Rotaract Cairo Royal came up with an individual list of 30 heroes. We were unsure how to shorten that list to only submit ten. We then created a rating system out of ten, two points for their achievements, three points on their influence on modern culture, two points for the challenges they faced, two points for being pioneers, and one point for being alive (because living heroes can still do more). Therefore, the final list represents the highest ranking Egyptian Heroes that we love, respect and look up to.

It is also notable to mention that this is not our first international project with our twin club; Rotaract HR College. Members of Rotaract Cairo Royal find it very interesting that Rotaract India is very internationally active. We are proud of our active relationships, be them past, present and future with Indian clubs.

Yours in service, Rtr. Amin Waly,President 2010-11,Rotaract Cairo Royal.

A Rotaract Club of H.R. College and Cairo Royal Publication

The Rotaract Club of Cairo Royale has always been very dear to us. After spending such fond memories with them at Exploring World, it is fabulous to see the bond getting even stronger. 'Heroes' is a step towards even greater relations, and at the Rotaract Club of H.R. College, we certainly cannot wait for more!

I think heroes are very important in today's generation, and they truly are the ones who can change the world. Living or dead, the heroes in this bulletin have surely left their footprints on the sands of time. With the two countries having such glorious backgrounds, I'm sure we'll have a plethora of heroes to read about- ones that will inspire, ones that will motivate and ones that will remind us that life truly has no limits. With the current scenario globally, the world does need some heroes, and it's high time the Rotaract fraternity stood up to the challenge, and proved themselves worthy.

All in all, this joint bulletin marks a big moment for the club, and I'm sure this will start a new era for both clubs. Urging all of you to be heroes in life.

Yours- In- Rotaract,Rtr. Romeeta Sukhtankar,President 2010-11,Rotaract Club of H.R. College.

Heroics


The Mighty EditorsA few bulletins truly define an Editorial year. Today, as we stand on the brink of one such bulletin, we know that ‘Heroes’ could truly take our year one step higher. Both India and Egypt have had a vast culture and a diverse tradition, and at the forefront of both countries have been heroes- ones that shed blood, ones that achieved glory, ones that invented for humanity and ones that were selfless with all that they did. As Editors, today one of our biggest dreams will be realised. When the Rotaract fraternity witnesses a bond between two sister clubs from two different countries so pure, it will be stunning.

The Rotaract Club of Cairo Royale, just like us, has always been eager to take new initiatives and strides that would outrun the rest of the world. Through this bulletin, not only have we tried to tell you more about the heroes of the two countries, we have also strived to present to you the awesome cultures that have been embedded in their roots. We hope that this bond will continue for a long time indeed, and together we will undoubtedly make a great impact on a New World Order. For a long time now, we have felt the urge to create a substantial impact with our publications, and this quenches our thirst to a large extent.

It has been an unforgettable experience working with The Rotaract Club of Cairo Royale, and one that we would cherish forever. When two clubs having so much love between them, from two countries having such magnificent backgrounds come together, what it truly symbolises is ‘Heroes’!

Yours- In- Rotaract,Rtr. Junaid Khan and Rtr. Yash Muthiyan,Editors 2010-11,Rotaract Club of H.R. College.


ä Í Ó É Î Ïä Ý Ñ Member of Parliament Name: Farkhonda Hassan ä Í Ó É Î Ïä Ý Ñ Born: 29 August 1930 Nationality: Egyptian Dr. Farkhonda is a member of the Parliament and a Professor of Geology The American University in Cairo-Egypt. She received a B.Sc. in Geology, Cairo University-Egypt and a Degree in Psychology and Education, Ein Shams University-Egypt. She received a Masters degree in Solid State Science, American University in Cairo-Egypt and her Ph.D. in Geology (especially in the Amethyst precious stone), The University of Pittsburgh-U.S.A. She is the Holder of The Order of Merit of Arts and Sciences “First Class" (1980).

Dr Farkhonda has been the Secretary-General since (2001) and a Member of the National Council for Women in Egypt (2000) (till present). She’s also a Member of the Shura Assembly of Egypt (The Second House of the Egyptian Parliament) (1984 till present), and the Chairman of the Committee for Human Resources Development in the Shura Assembly, as well as Chairman of the Parliamentary Commission on "Human Development and Local Administration". She was previously a member of the People's Assembly of Egypt (The First House of the Egyptian Parliament) (1979-1984), President of the Scientific Association of Egyptian Women (NGO) to promote Environmentally Sound Utilization of Science and Technology in development, emphasizing the role of women, and Prepared and presented a weekly TV program that started in 1962, discussing the popularization of the scientific and technological achievements and their impact on development and on the environment (1961-2001).

She is also a Member of the Board of Directors of Suzanne Mubarak's Children Science Museum in Egypt and was heavily involved in the process of its' establishment being responsible of all the scientific aspects of the museum (1988 till present), as well as previously being the Chair of the Advisory Board affiliated to the Social Fund of Egypt (Chairman 1998-2000) and Chairman of The Sciences and Engineering Department of The American University in Cairo (1975-1980). In addition, Dr. Hassan is the Author of a large number of scientific articles in the field of specialization (Geology), and in the field of Science and Technology for Development and Environment in both international and national journals, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Misr Language School, Giza, Egypt (1990 till present), Member of the National Commission on the "Development of Higher Education in

Dr. Farkhonda Hassan


Egypt" chaired by His Excellency The Minister of Higher Education, As well as being Appointed by His Excellency The President of the Arab Republic of Egypt in the National Specialized Council of Education and Scientific Research (affiliated to the Presidency, 1996 till present), as well as being Vice-President of the Board of the Third World Organizations for Women in Science (TWOWS) affiliated to the Third World Academy of Science (TWAS) Trieste, Italy (1990 till present).

Dr Farkhonda is also a Member of the council of Basic Sciences and the Council of Industrial Research at the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology of Egypt. In addition she is an Honorary Member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (1984), and Chairman of the IPU Committee on Science, Education and Environment (1979-1980) Caracas, Venezuela.

In the Parliament she Submitted and defended a number of laws and acts related to scientific and environmental issues including, The Law of the Protection of the River Nile, the establishment of Egypt's Environmental Authority, The Law of Protected Areas and National park of Egypt and The Law of Syndicate of Scientific Profession, all of which were approved and enforced.

She has also been involved in a number of international activities, including, Chair of the Gender Advisory Board linked to the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development 1995-1998, and Co - Chair, 1998 till present. She is a Member of the Board of Directors (and the Executive Committee) of the International Federation of Advanced Studies (IFIAS), Toronto, Canada (1993 till present), as well as being Chair of the Executive Committee of the Gender Science and Development (GSD) Program affiliated IFIAS, Toronto, Canada (1992-1997).

She also Co-Chaired of the International Panel on Global Ethics on Xenotransplantation, hosted by the Medical School of Harvard, University Cambridge, USA (1999 -2000), and the Hastings Center, New York and International NGO, Women, Environment and Development Organization (WEDO) New York, USA (1990 -2000), as well as being a Member of the International Forum of Women of the Mediterranean network – UNESCO, a Member of the gender-working group, formed by the United Nations Commission on the Science and Technology (1993-1995).

In addition to all of the mentioned accomplishments, she is a mother of two, Engineer Karim and Dr. Wegdan Lotfy, and a grandmother of 7 children 5 boys and two girls.

-Rtr. Aly Lotfy,Rotaract Cairo Royal


A small serene smile lurking on the face of an angel. Twinkling eyes as soulful as ever. His hands move over a synthesizer, and music produced puts you into such a peaceful trance, that his music can be only compared to magic. I’m talking about our very own A.R. Rahman.

Aptly named the “Mozart of Madras”, Rahman is world renowned for his enchanting music. Rahman put Indian music on the world map with the success of his music composition for Slumdog Millionaire, for which he even won at the Oscars.

Born as A.S. Dileep Kumar, in Chennai, this 44 year old composer converted to Islam at the age of 23, and changed his name to Rahman. (The reason for his convergence was that at one time, when his sister had fallen severely ill, the family had prayed at a mosque, on the advice of some family friends, and vowed convergence to Islam if she recovered.)

Rahman, who belongs to a musical family background, (his father being a composer and conductor for Malayalam films) started his musical career when he joined a musical troupe “Ilaiyaraaja: at the mere age of 11, as a keyboardist. Accomplished in playing the keyboard, piano, synthesizer, harmonium and guitar, Rahman earned a scholarship to the Trinity College of Music where he graduated with a degree in Western Classical Music.

His music is a blend of various styles: Pop, Carnatic, Sufi, Techno, Classical- all fused to give our ears a soothing symphony. It is his harmonious music which has earned him various awards and accolades. He is the proud recipient of 14 Filmfare Awards, 4 National Film Awards, a BAFTA award, a Golden Globe, 2 Grammy Awards and 2 Academy Awards.

A.R.Rahman


Indeed he is an impressible man. But it is not his achievements or the number of albums he has sold that makes him my hero. It is his shy, humble persona which captivates the heart and leaves you mesmerized. In today’s world, it is hard to find someone, who has achieved so much in life, and not be the least bit proud and pompous about it, but dedicate his achievements to God (despite him being an atheist), and his family.

Moreover, he is always involved in helping the society in whichever means he can. He is a part of various charitable instituions such as “Save the Children”, has composed certain songs specially so that the proceeds from these songs would help the Tsunami affected victims. Rahman, keen to promote upcoming music talent, also opened his MK Conservatory to tutor and train aspiring musicians in vocals, instrumental, music technology and sound design. He also has voluntarily composed music for many Charitable Foundations.

Truly, this man is a living legend.

-Shivani SawarkarRotaract Club of H.R. College


Ï É íÔÑ äÓÍName: Hosna Rachid Ï É íÔÑ äÓÍBorn: 1 January 1954 Occupation: Chairperson of Rachid Mashreq Group

After graduating from the German School in Alexandria, Hosna Rachid went on to continue her education, receiving a Bachelor of Commerce, with a major in economics, from the Alexandria University. She then went further to receive a Diploma in Global Asset Management and Finance. She is currently the Chairperson of Rachid Mashreq Group, the biggest Manufacturing Group in the Middle East including Mashreq, Dreem S.A.E, and Mashreq for Commercial Investment. She is the president of numerous civil and commercial chambers such as: French Chamber of Commerce in Alexandria (CCFÉ), Confederation of Egyptian European Business Associations in Alexandria (CEEBA), the board member of the German Chamber of Commerce and a member of the American Chamber of Commerce, the British Egyptian Business Association and the Canadian Egyptian Business Council, Egypt's International Economic Forum and the German Arab Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

Hosna Rachid is also a Founding member of the Middle East Gender Parity Group at the World Economic Forum and a member of the Arab International Women's Forum, as well as the president of Mohamed Rachid Foundation for Cultural and Social Development, possibly the position she values most. Founded by her late father, the foundation serves more than 27 villages in the rural areas, which includes primary and secondary schooling, health center, nursery for 300 children, handicraft workshop for women and girls, illiteracy program for adults serving more than 2000 people, computer centers and libraries for children and adults in Alexandria, ballet school, music school, choral groups, painting and sculpture school, as well as being a member of the Alexandria Education Advisory Committee and a Board Member of the Alexandria Development Center (ADC), which aims to enhance Alexandria’s economic conditions and the quality of life in the city, through the development of education, ports, traffic and cultural institutions, among others.

Furthermore, she is a board member of various social organizations among them are the Integrated Care Society, the National Council of Women and the Magdy Yacoub Foundation. She is a member

Hosna Rachid


of the High Advisory Board to the Ministry of Family and Population, of the Secretariat for International Relations at the National Democratic Party and of the Vocational Higher Education Committee at the Faculty of Commerce, Alexandria University. She is in the Board of Trustees Member of “I, the Egyptian” an NGO aiming to provide an integrated approach to the phenomena of street children, Injaz Egypt an NGO that is a member of Junior Achievement Worldwide, which has been providing business and economic education programs to youth, the Association of Orphan Children, Association of Productive Families, encouraging women to start small business and projects, the American University of Cairo, the Breast Cancer Foundation of Egypt and the Suzanne Mubarak Regional Centre for Women's Health and Development. She is also a member of the Higher Advisory Board to the national Council on Motherhood and Childhood, as well as the Higher Advisory Board of the Secretariat for International Relations at the National Democratic Party. Moreover, she is a member of the Vocational Higher Education Committee (Faculty of Commerce, University of Alexandria) and L’Institute Averroes pour le Proche et Moyen Orient, an organization aiming to decrease the gap between the West and the Middle East and to promote tolerance and dialogue. She is also an active member of the Inner-Wheel Club and a Board Member of the Alexandria Sporting Club, the most prestigious sporting club in Alexandria.

Hosna Rachid is also very much involved in cultural associations. She is the president of Echanges Culturels en Méditerranée (ECUME), main sponsor of Mahmoud Said Museum, and an active board member of the Opera House, the Faculty of Fine Arts, the Greco-Roman Museum, Alexandria International Biennale, and the Alex-Med Centre at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. She is also a founder and active board member of the Alexandria Ladies and International Ladies Club, and Alexandria Business Women Association.

In addition to being decorated by the Presidents of both France and Mexico, Hosna Rachid was the Honorary Vice Consul of Mexico from 1990 to 1997, and has since been the Honorary Consul of Mexico and holder of the following merits:


• Order of Aztec Eagle with the rank of Insignia which is the highest presidential award in Mexico

• Order of the Crown rank Officer offered by HRH King Albert II, King of Belgium for her services for the country

• La Legion d’Honneur, Garde de Chevalier by the French President Jacques Chirac for her services in strengthening the relations between Egypt and France

• Leading Women Entrepreneurs of the World Award

• Global Women Summit Award, for her entrepreneurial achievements

In addition to having accomplished such impressive achievements, and being such an active member in helping improve Egypt’s socio-economic conditions and contribute to the development of the country, while continuing to manage and grow Rachid Mashreq Group, Hosna Rachid was able to create a family, and be a supportive mother of two, Youssef and Yasmine Rabie. With both Youssef and Yasmine being married with two kids of their own, Hosna Rachid is now a grandmother to four children, with whom she impressively manages to spend a lot of time with, without compromising her business activities or other achievements and commitments.

Hosna Rachid has been mentioned twice by Forbes Magazine to be among the Top 10 of Arab's most influential businesswomen.

-Rtr. Dina Gazayerli,Rotaract Club of Cairo Royal


Sachin Tendulkar, referred to as Little Master or Master Blaster has been the most complete batsman of his time, and arguably the biggest cricket icon as well. There are no apparent weaknesses in Tendulkar's game. He retains a divine enthusiasm for the game, and seems to be untouched and has made runs in all parts of the world, in all conditions.

Some of his finest performances have come against Australia, the dominant team of his era. His greatness was established early, this unmatchable man was only 16 when he made his test debut. He had 16 Test hundreds before he turned 25. He was hit on the mouth by Waqar Younis but continued to bat, in a blood-soaked shirt. In 2000 he became the first batsman to have scored 50 international hundreds, in 2008 he passed Brian Lara as the leading Test run-scorer, and in the years after, he went past 13,000 Test runs and 30,000 international runs.

He received the ultimate compliment from the ultimate batsman: Don Bradman confided to his wife that Tendulkar reminded him of himself. Blessed with the keenest of cricket minds, and armed with a loathing for losing, Tendulkar set about doing what it took to become one of the best batsmen in the world.

Tendulkar's considerable achievements seem greater still when looked at in the light of the burden of expectations he has had to bear, At home in Mumbai, Tendulkar's fan following is so great that he is unable to lead a normal life.

The aura may have dimmed, but Tendulkar remains, by a distance, the most worshipped cricketer in the world.

-Shreshtha ChoradiaRotaract Club of H.R. College

Sachin Tendulkar


Ó È ÑíæÇÓ íÌäAn Egyptian Business Pioneer Name: Naguib Onsi Sawiris Ó È ÑíæÇÓ íÌäBorn: 15 June 1954 Egypt Nationality: Egyptian

Naguib Onsi Sawiris, son of Onsi Sawiris, founder of the Orascom Group. Naguib Sawiris became the Chairman and CEO of Orascom Telecom, and Chairman of board of Wind Telecomunicazioni S.p.A. and Mobinil.

Sawiris holds a diploma in Mechanical Engineering with a Masters in Technical Administration from the Swiss Institute of Technology, ETH Switzerland and a Diploma from the German Evangelical School, Cairo, Egypt.

In 1979, Sawiris joined Orascom group and has continuously contributed to the growth and diversification of the company, turning it into what it is today; one of Egypt’s largest and most diversified conglomerates with the largest market capitalization. Sawiris established and built the railway, information technology, and telecommunications sectors of Orascom. The extraordinary success of these ventures as well as the other sectors of the company led to the management decision to split Orascom into separate operating companies. As a result, in late 1997 Orascom Telecom Holding S.A.E. (OTH) and Orascom Technology Systems (OTS) were established and chaired by Sawiris.

As Chairman and CEO of OTH, Sawiris made a great change in Orascom that lead to the growth of the company at a rapid pace. He introduced GSM networks in 7 different countries in the Middle East, Africa, and the Indian Subcontinent with over 30 million subscribers as of December 31, 2005, in addition to a number of Internet Service Providers (ISPs), and satellite service providers serving a population of 500 million people, with an average penetration rate of 9.5%. Also, Sawiris became Chairman of the Board of Wind Telecomunicazioni S.p.A., Weather Investments S.a.r.l and the Egyptian Company for Mobile Services (ECMS)

-Aya El Kady Rotaract Club of Cairo Royal

Naguib Onsi Sawiris


Born in a Hindu family in a model town of Haryana known as Karnal, Kalpana Chawla was the first Indian-born woman and the second person of Indian origin to fly in space.

Completing her school at Tagore Public School she earned a B.E. in aeronautical engineering at the Punjab Engineering College in Chandigarh. Kalpana in Hindi means "imagination". She was inspired by J.R.D. Tata, a pilot and industrialist. Kalpana has two sisters Sunita & Deepa and a brother Sanjay. She was the youngest in her family but achieved greater heights than her siblings. She got married to married Jean-Pierre Harrison who was a flying instructor and aviation writer, in 1983 and became a naturalized United States Citizen in 1990.being the first woman to fly to space she achieved her goal of life. Her first space mission began on November 19, 1997 as part of the six astronaut crew that flew the Space Shuttle Columbia flight STS-87. After completion of STS-87 post-flight activities, Kalpana was assigned to technical positions in the astronaut office, her performance was recognized with a special award from her peers. In 2000 she was selected for her second flight as part of the crew of STS- 107. Unfortunately this was her last visit to space. She died in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster which occurred on February 1, 2003, when the Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated over Texas during re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere, with the loss of all seven crew members, shortly before it was scheduled to conclude its 28th mission, STS-107.

Her achievements included awards like :-

Congressinal Space Medal of Honor

ASA Space Flight Medal

ASA Distinguished Service Medal

he died at an early age of 41 years. Won hearts of more than 10,000,000,000 people all over the world. Became a role model for every woman. She is no more in this world but definitely resent in our hearts. She will always be remembered in the history of India.

-Meeta AroraRotaract Club of H.R. College

Kalpana Chawla


Ñ ãÚ Ý íÑÔáÇEgyptian Actor Name: Omar El Sherif Ñ ÝãÚ íÑÔáÇBorn: 10 April 1932 Alexandria, Egypt Occupation: Actor

Omar El Sherif was born on April 10th 1932 as Michael Shalhoub in Alexandria, Egypt, raised by a rich Egyptian Catholic family. He went to school in Victoria College, and then moved to Cairo as he studied mathematics and physics in Cairo University. In 1955, he converted to Islam and married Faten Hamama, a famous Egyptian actress, and two years later they had their first son, Tarek El Sherif. The birth of Tarek brought joy to their lives, but at the same time Omar was forced to be away from his family for very long periods at a time, as he could not travel back and forth as before due to travel restrictions at the time, and the difficulty of acquiring an exit visa. This eventually lead to the separation of the couple in 1966, and the end of the marriage in 1974. Omar El sheriff has never since been remarried.

Omar started his career as an actor in 1953; where he played a part of the Egyptian movie “Shaytan El Sahara”, which was released in 1954, in the same year he had a role in “Siraa Fil Wady”, and he continued to star in several productions, some of them he starred with his wife Faten Hamama, most of them being of romantic essence. Nineteen years after his first appearance, El Sherif appeared in his first English speaking movie, “Lawrence of Arabia”, where he was nominated for the best supporting actor Oscar, and won a Golden Globe award for best supporting actor in a motion picture. After his great success in Lawrence of Arabia, he starred in numerous Hollywood productions including, “Hidalgo”, “Genghis Khan”, and “Doctor Zhivago”, where his son, Tarek El Sherif, played a role of a little boy in the movie. Omar El Sherif was not just famous for being a movie star, but was also famous for being one of the best Contract Bridge players in the world, where he represented the Egyptian National Contract Bridge Team on several occasions. He also wrote several books about contract bridge, and wrote in the contract bridge column in the Chicago Tribune.

Now Omar El Sherif lives in Egypt, where he still stars in Egyptian movies (Hassan we Morcos) as well as some recent Hollywood productions (10,000 BC). -Ahmed Nabil Rotaract Club of Cairo Royal

Omar El Sherif


Born on December 12, 1949 as Shivaji Rao Gaekwad, Rajinikanth is the highest paid actor in prominent South Indian media. He is widely worshipped by the South Indians, who mourn for days when he is ill and make it a point to watch almost every single one of his movies. He is best known for his mass popularity and appeal, largely drawn from his mannerisms and stylized delivery of dialogue in films. He received India's third highest civilian honour, the Padma Bhushan, in 2000 for his contribution to Indian cinema. Other than acting, Rajinikanth also worked as a screenwriter, producer, and playback singer. Apart from his film career, he is a philanthropist, spiritualist, and serves as an influence in the politics of Tamil Nadu. Rajinikanth made his debut as an actor in Apoorva Raagangal (1975), a Tamil film directed by K. Balachander, whom the actor considers as his mentor. He was later favoured in Tamil cinema for portraying antagonistic characters and gradually rose to acting in lead roles. After the release of his film Bairavi (1978), he became known as the "superstar" of Tamil cinema. While acting in many Indian languages, he also appeared in films of other nations, including in that of the United States. With a salary of 26 crores for his role in Sivaji (2007), he became the highest paid actor in Asia after Jackie Chan. Rajinikanth joined the Madras Film Institute in 1973 and completed a basic course in acting.

In the film institute he was helped by his vice principal, A. Prabhakaran. Rajinikanth has acted in over 150 films, including Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi, English, and Bengali films. He is widely worshipped by the people of the South. They mourn when he is ill, and party when his films gain the title of "Super Hit". Rajinikanth's popularity mostly originates from his uniquely styled dialogues and mannerisms in films, as well as his political statements and philanthropy. Anything is possible in a Rajinikanth flick! His action scenes have been consistently amazing, even unbelievable at some points.

From action to comedy, Rajinikanth is an actor who is always looked up to. He was the youngest child of his parents, and lost his mother in his childhood. He spent many years of his life doing odd clerical jobs before he completed his education. In short, the king of the South, is a very experienced person, and can pull off even the most bizarre of things on screen. He is a truly reputed actor, who very soon is going to be seen on the big screen with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

Rajnikanth


-Viren RamaniRotaract Club of H.R. College

Rania Elwani í Ç äÇæáÚ íäÇÑ

Competitive Swimmer Name: Rania Elwani í Ç äÇæáÚ íäÇÑBorn: 14 October 1977 Egypt Nationality: Egyptian Occupation: Professional Swimmer (Previously) Currently Gynecologist and Swimming Instructor Medals: 77 Ranking: 11th on world ranking (100m freestyle discipline)

Born in 1977, Rania Elwani is considered the most successful female swimmer in Egypt and the Arab world. She started swimming at a young age of six, and won her first national medal by the age of ten. Her first international victory was during the African Swimming Championship, where she was able to get 11 medals, and collected 119 points of the 207 point the Egyptian Team had received during the games. Her success continued to become the first Egyptian to break the one minute in a 100m race. In the All Africa Games she managed to win 10 medals of which 5 were gold. Thus she was chosen best Arab young swimmer by BBC in 1992. She is the only Egyptian/Arab/African to hold two gold medals in the Mediterranean Cup, since it was founded in 1951. She has received 77 medals in her national swimming carrier and was ranked 11th in the world for the 100m freestyle discipline.

She declined in the year 2000 after participating in the Sydney Olympics, where she reached the semi finals round, and decided to take up rowing as a change. In 2002 Rania Elwani became a member of the International Olympic Committee, as well as a Board member of the Ahly Club. Now, Elwani is a gynecologist and has founded a swimming academy, called the Elwani Academy teaching children of all ages how to swim and guiding them to competing in this sport.

-Laila Kenawi Rotaract Club of Cairo Royal


R.K. Narayan One of the most famous English writers in the history of India, R.K. Narayan was born in 1906 in Madras and settled in Mysore. He created the enchanting fictional story of Malgudi through his several novels and short stories which captivated his readers throughout the world. He received various famous awards such as the Padma Bhushan, Sahitya Akademi award, the AC Benson medal and the Padma Vibhushan. Narayan’s writing style was very simple and subtle. It focused on ordinary people. He also employed the use of nuanced dialogue prose with gentle Tamil overtones base on the nature of his characters. He is popularly known as the Indian Chekhov. Narayan's writings are more descriptive and less analytical. His attitude, coupled with his perception of life, provided a unique ability to fuse characters and actions. His famous works are ‘Malgudi Days’ and ‘Swami and His Friends’. He has a uniquely humorous way of presenting life around him. His books are regularly published in U.S.A., U.K. and India and have even been translated into various other Indian as well as European languages. His novel ‘The Guide’ won him the National Prize of the Indian Literary Academy, the country’s highest literary honour. He was made an Honorary Member of the American Academy and Institutes of Arts and Letters. In addition to his collection of short stories- A Horse and Two Goats, An Astrologer’s Day, Lawley Road and Malgudi Days, he has published two travel books, four collections of essays, and several other books. His biography, ‘R.K. Narayan- the early years’ provides a detailed and splendid insight into the first four decades of his life.

Truly, he has highlighted India on the world map with his works.

-Priyanka CanserRotaract Club of H.R. College

R. K. Narayan


ä Ý íå ÇÔ ÓæíName: Gabriel Youssef Chahine ä Ý íå ÇÔ ÓæíBorn: January 25, 1926 Alexandria, Egypt Died: July 27, 2008 (age 82) Cairo, Egypt Occupation: Film Director and Producer

Gabriel Youssef Chahine, one of the most outstanding directors of Egyptian cinema, was born on Jan. 25, 1926 in Alexandria, Egypt to a Lebanese Catholic father, and a Roman Catholic mother. He was credited with introducing Egyptian Cinema to the world. Chahine grew up speaking French and English (reportedly better than Arabic) and many of his films were French co-productions. Throughout his nearly six-decade career, he tackled various genres and styles, ranging from socially conscious melodramas to politically charged dramas addressing government repression and the threat of Islamic Fundamentalism.

Chahine began his education at a Frères' school Collège Saint Marc. Growing up, he attended Alexandria's elite Victoria College. In 1946, he convinced his parents to let him travel to Hollywood to study acting, where he attended the Pasadena Playhouse outside of Los Angeles, California. After graduating in 1948, Chahine returned to Egypt where he turned his attention to directing. He started an apprenticeship with the Italian documentary filmmaker Gianni Verniccio. While working with Verniccio, he also met the cameraman Alvis Orfanelli, who introduced him to film production.

In 1950 Chahine shot his first film “Baba Amin” (Daddy Amin) at the age of 23, a drama about a middle-class pensioner inspired by his father’s life. One year later, after the huge success of “Baba Amin”, he made the film “Nile Boy”, which was in fact his first written script, written even before “Daddy Amin”, and earned him an invitation to the Cannes Festival. But it wasn't until his controversial 1958 feature “Cairo Station” that his international reputation was established. In 1956, he just had to become as great a Hamlet as John Gielgud had been to his era. Youssef made a film in 1954 that introduced Omar Sharif as an actor. The film “Sira fi’l-Wadi” was about the life of Egyptian peasants and their difficult relations with the landowners. In 1970 he was awarded a Golden Tanit at the Carthage Film Festival for Al-Ikhtiyar (The Choice). He won a Silver Bear and the Grand Jury Prize as well in Berlin in 1979 for “Alexandria... Why?” (1978), the first part of what would

Youssef Chahin


become an autobiographic trilogy, completed with “An Egyptian Story” (1982) and “Alexandria Again And Forever” (1990). In 1997 his movie “Destiny” was presented at the Cannes Film Festival, he was awarded by the 50th annual lifetime achievement award. His movie “The Other” was selected for the opening on “Un Certain Regard” at the Cannes Film Festival in 1999. When 2001 came, the brilliant director was ready with his next masterpiece, “Sokoot Hansawar” (Silence, we’re rolling). Chahine's latest film was the 3rd installment of the “Iskindriah Leh (Alexandria... Why?) Trilogy “Iskinidriah…New York” (Alexandria…New York).

Chahine was hospitalized at El Shorouq hospital in Cairo in a sudden coma following an apparent cerebral hemorrhage on Sunday, June 15, 2008. On Monday, June 16, 2008, he was flown to Paris on an emergency flight and admitted to the American Hospital in Neuilly-sur-Seine, west of Paris, where his condition was “critical but stable”.

Gabriel Youssef Chahine died at age 82 in his Cairo home on Sunday July 27, 2008, and was honored by BAFTA for his contribution to film.

“I am young. I am only 81 years old. I hope I can keep working for another 10 years. Old age is to let oneself become old.”

-Nury Mokhtar Rotaract Club of Cairo Royal


Chetan Bhagatis an Indian author who was born in New Delhi in a Punjabi family and attended Army Public School - Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi. He studied Mechanical Engineering at the Indian Institute Of Technology (IIT) Delhi and then studied at theIndian Institute of Management (IIM)Ahmedabad .

His writings includeFive Point Someone – What not to do at IIT!, One Night The Call Centre, The 3 mistakes of my life and 2 States: The Story Of My Marriage. The movies Hello and 3 Idiots were inspired by his novels One Night at the Call Centre and Five Point Someone- What not to do at IIT respectively.

Bhagat's writing style tends to be simple, with linear narratives and vivid storytelling. All his books have a number in the title (e.g. 'five' in the first, 'one' in the second, 'three' in the third and 'two' in his latest book.) When asked about this Bhagat replied "I'm a banker, I can't get numbers out of my head."

He has won the Society Young Achiever's award in 2004 and the Publisher’s recognition award in 2005.

By venturing into unchartered territories with a rather unusual style of writing, Bhagat has captivated the minds of millions.

-Mansi MotwaniRotaract Club of H.R. College

Chetan Bhagat


Ó í ÇæÍ åÇÒName: Zahi Hawass Ó í ÇæÍ åÇÒnroB: 28 May 1947 Damietta, Egypt Field: Egyptology Institutions: Supreme Council of Antiquities

World-known archaeologist Zahi Hawass was born in Damietta, Egypt on May 28, 1947. Hawass originally intended to become a lawyer, but then studied Greek and Roman archaeology at the Alexandria University, where he received his Bachelor's degree, followed by a diploma in Egyptology at the University of Cairo. In 1987, he was given his Doctoral Degree (PhD) from the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied as a Fulbright Fellow. After 1988, he taught Egyptian archaeology, history and culture, mostly at the American University in Cairo and the University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Hawass has written numerous scholarly articles and books, and is highly respected as an Egyptologist. Over the course of his long career, he has been presented with many awards and honors.

In addition, Dr. Hawass is known for his charisma and his ability to reach out to the public, raising awareness of archaeology and the preservation of Egypt’s precious heritage. He has made numerous key discoveries over the course of his career, including the Tombs of the Pyramid Builders at Giza and the Valley of the Golden Mummies at Bahariya Oasis. He has discovered two previously unknown Old Kingdom pyramids, and rediscovered the pyramid of the 6th Dynasty queen Khuit, along with another pyramid that he determined belonged to a 5th Dynasty king in Saqqara. Dr. Hawass is currently involved in several important archaeological projects; he is leading the search for the tomb of Cleopatra and Mark Antony on the premises of a Ptolemaic temple near Alexandria. He is also searching for the tomb of Ramsis VIII and the tombs of the Queens of the 18th Dynasty in the Valley of the Kings. Hawass plans to soon reveal the secrets of the hidden doors found inside the Great Pyramid, and he is supervising a search for missing obelisks and statues in the waters of the Nile. One of the most significant research efforts that Dr. Hawass is currently leading is the Egyptian Mummy Project (EMP), which is using modern forensic techniques such as CT scanning and DNA analysis to answer questions about human remains from ancient Egypt.

Zahi Hawass


As an archaeologist deeply concerned with the conservation and protection of Egypt’s monuments, he has supervised major conservation projects for the Great Sphinx, along with the Serapeum and Step Pyramid at Saqqara. Currently, he is overseeing the completion of site management plans for the West Bank of Luxor, Giza, and Saqqara. He has also initiated the construction of nineteen new museums throughout Egypt, including the Grand Egyptian Museum that will be built near the pyramids at Giza.

Dr. Hawass’s dynamic personality and extensive knowledge have sparked global interest in ancient Egypt and he has brought the world of the pharaohs into the homes and hearts of people all over the world through his numerous media appearances.

-Nury Mokhtar Rotaract Club of Cairo Royal


"Thinking is progress. Non-thinking is stagnation of the individual, organization and the country. Thinking leads to action. Knowledge without action is useless and irrelevant. Knowledge with action, converts adversity into prosperity."

This thought is of that one visionary who changed the entire outlook of every Indian and they began to look at the progress of India with a new dimension. Born on 15th October 1931 at Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, Dr. Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, specialized in Aeronautical Engineering from Madras Institute of Technology. Dr. Kalam made significant contribution as Project Director to develop India's first indigenous Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III) that successfully injected the Rohini satellite in the near earth orbit in July 1980 and made India an exclusive member of Space Club.

He was responsible for the evolution of ISRO's (Indian Space Research Organization) launch vehicle programme, particularly the PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) configuration. He continued to make break through discoveries in the field of defence research and was the Scientific Adviser to Defence Minister and Secretary, Department of Defence Research & Development. He directed India to self-reliance in defence systems by progressing multiple development tasks and mission projects such as Light Combat Aircraft. As Chairman of Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC) and as an eminent scientist, he led the country with the help of 500 experts to arrive at Technology Vision 2020 giving the platform for India to transform from a developing to a developed nation. Dr. Kalam's books - "Wings of Fire", "India 2020 - A Vision for the New Millennium", "My journey" and "Ignited Minds - Unleashing the power within India" are a very fine work of literature, which makes its reader a part of his mission. Dr. Kalam is one of the most distinguished scientists of India with the unique honor of receiving honorary doctorates from 30 universities and institutions. He has been awarded the coveted civilian awards - Padma Bhushan (1981) and Padma Vibhushan (1990) and the highest civilian award Bharat Ratna (1997). He is a recipient of several other awards and Fellow of many professional institutions and served in the office as president from 25th July 2002 to 2007. He changed the view of politics in every Indian's eye and is thus a well distinguished hero.

Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam


-Asmita PathakRotaract Club of H.R. College

Heroes

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