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Qatar Tribune
26-07-2025
- General
- Qatar Tribune
Celebrating a year of honour, service: Knights of Rizal — Doha hosts Knighting, Exaltation ceremony
Darlene Regis In a ceremony marked by tradition, camaraderie, and a profound sense of purpose, the Knights of Rizal (KOR) Doha Chapter recently celebrated its first anniversary with an unforgettable Knighting and Exaltation ceremony. Headed by Chapter Commander Dr Elvin Fajutagana, KCR, and Area Commander Dr Jose Villanueva, KCR (Oman-Qatar-UAE), the event underscored the members' steadfast commitment to upholding the ideals of the national hero, Dr Jose Rizal. Amidst an atmosphere filled with pride and honour, nine new members out of 14 were dubbed, while eight out of 10 were exalted to the prestigious rank of Knight Commander of Rizal. Additionally, the chapter welcomed 8 new KOR Life Members out of 10 applicants, solidifying the bonds of brotherhood and service within the organization. The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Guest of Honour and Speaker, Philippine Ambassador to Qatar,His Excellency Mardomel Celo Melicor, and Honorable Eduard Ferrer, Labor Attaché. Their insightful words served as a powerful reminder of the values that drive the Knights' mission, encouraging them to continue their noble endeavors with passion and dedication. In recognition of exceptional service, the celebration also featured the presentation of Distinguished Service Awards to deserving individuals from both the Knights of Rizal and Las Damas de Rizal Doha Chapter, honoring their invaluable contributions to the organization. As the Knights of Rizal Doha Chapter embarks on its second year, they do so with renewed dedication and a strengthened resolve to carry forward the legacy of Dr. Jose Rizal. Through their unwavering commitment, they continue to serve as beacons of inspiration both within their community and beyond.


Filipino Times
16-07-2025
- General
- Filipino Times
Knights of Rizal Doha Chapter celebrates first anniversary with Knighting Ceremony
The Knights of Rizal Doha Chapter marked a significant milestone in their journey of honor and service as they celebrated their first anniversary with a grand Knighting and Exaltation ceremony on July 11, 2025. Led by their esteemed Chapter Commander, Sir Dr. Elvin D. Fajutagana, KCR, and Area Commander, Sir Dr. Jose P. Villanueva, KCR (Oman-Qatar-UAE), the event highlighted the members' continued efforts to promote the values and principles of Dr. Jose Rizal. Nine new members out of 14 were dubbed, and eight out of 10 were exalted to the prestigious rank of Knight Commander of Rizal. Additionally, eight new KOR Life Members were welcomed into the fold out of 10 applicants, further strengthening the bonds of camaraderie and service within the organization. The ceremony was graced by the presence of distinguished guests, including the Guest of Honor and Speaker, H.E. Philippine Ambassador to Qatar Mardomel Celo D. Melicor, and Labor Attaché Hon. Atty. Eduard C. Ferrer. Their inspiring words and support served as a beacon of encouragement for the Knights as they continue their noble mission. Furthermore, the event saw the presentation of Distinguished Service Awards to deserving members of both the Knights of Rizal Doha Chapter and Las Damas de Rizal Doha Chapter, recognizing their exceptional contributions to the organization's principles.

The Hindu
21-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Ophthalmic conference organised to mark birth centenary of N. Rajan
The Rajan Eye Conference - Cataract, Cornea and Secondary IOL Conclave, 'RECON 100/30', was inaugurated on Saturday. The event marked the birth centenary of N. Rajan, who established Rajan Eye Care Hospital, and the hospital's 30th anniversary celebrations. Mohan Rajan, chairman and medical director, Rajan Eye Care Hospital, said there were deliberations on cataract, cornea and secondary Intraocular Lens as part of the conference. He also narrated the journey of the hospital that was established in June 1995 and has since grown into a super speciality eye hospital and a postgraduate institute. Partha Biswas, president, All India Ophthalmological Society, said every conference was a means to learn from each other. He said that the vision of Dr. Rajan — that of not just charity, but also of reaching the pinnacle of excellence with a balance of humanity and compassion — should be propagated. Eleven veterans of ophthalmology, who worked at the Government Ophthalmic Hospital during Dr. Rajan's time, were presented with Distinguished Service Awards. A journal of Rajan Eye Care was also released. International faculty — Ronald Yeoh from Singapore and Rasik B. Vajpayee from Australia — took part. Arulmozhi Varman, president, Tamil Nadu Ophthalmic Association; Sujatha Mohan, executive medical director, Rajan Eye Care Hospital; and M. Ravishankar, organising secretary of the conference, were present.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Former NYC Mayor Giuliani remembers best friend Bernie Kerik as 'true patriot': 'Much better for knowing him'
Rudy Giuliani, who served as mayor of New York City from 1994 to 2001, mourned the death of former New York City Police Department Commissioner Bernard "Bernie" Kerik on Thursday, describing the grief of losing his "best friend" and a "true patriot" as "inexpressible." Kerik died at 69 years old "after a private battle with illness," according to FBI Director Kash Patel. Kerik and Giuliani were prominent figures during and after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York City due to their leadership roles in the city, and they quickly became close friends. "On September 11th, Bernie Kerik and I saved each other's lives. If we weren't already friends, that bound us together forever. He was my best friend, a true Patriot, and one of the bravest men I've ever known," Giuliani wrote in a statement. Bernard Kerik, Former New York Police Commissioner And 9/11 Figure, Dies At 69 Giuliani said Kerik was at his side "within 20 minutes of the attack" on 9/11 and "never left." Read On The Fox News App The first collapse trapped both of them in a building for what Giuliani thinks was 20 to 30 minutes, but they were able to escape safely with "substantial additional assistance" and "extraordinary bravery" – an attitude that Giuliani said "permeated the way" for recovery over the next four months. "Bernie's leadership helped guide the people of a very frightened city to draw from their inherent individual strength as Americans and children of God," Giuliani said on Thursday. He also praised Kerik's career in law enforcement, specifically pointing out his role as Commissioner of Rikers Island, where he was able to reduce violence in the prison by 90%, and his role as NYPD commissioner, where he reduced crime in the city. "He was driven by an unwavering love of this country and a commitment to serving others. He was one of the most decorated New York City police officers of his time," he said. Former Nypd Commissioner Calls On Political Leaders To 'Get Out There' And 'Deescalate' Violence Kerik's 35-year career has been recognized with more than 100 awards for meritorious and heroic service, including a presidential commendation for heroism by President Ronald Reagan and two Distinguished Service Awards from the Department of Homeland Security. He was considered for the role of Homeland Security chief in 2004, but lied to the White House during vetting, which ultimately led to him pleading guilty to eight felonies, including tax fraud, in 2009. He spent about three years in prison, then moved to home confinement and, later, supervised release. President Donald Trump pardoned him of the convictions in 2020. Kerik worked with Giuliani again to investigate claims of election fraud following the 2020 presidential election. Giuliani expressed his condolences to Kerik's wife, his two daughters and his son – who is also a police officer – and said he believes all of Kerik's friends and admirers are "much better for knowing him." Fox News Digital's Sarah Rumpf-Whitten and Andrea Margolis contributed to this article source: Former NYC Mayor Giuliani remembers best friend Bernie Kerik as 'true patriot': 'Much better for knowing him'


Time of India
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Who was Bernard Kerik? Former NYPD police commissioner and 9/11 hero dies at age 69
Bernard Kerik (Image credit: AP) Bernard Kerik, former New York Police Commissioner and 9/11 hero, has died at age 69, the New York Police Department confirmed on Thursday via social media. Meanwhile, FBI Director Kash Patel paid tributes and said, 'Bernie passed away tragically on May 29, 2025, after a private battle with illness.' He described Kerik as 'a warrior, a patriot, and one of the most courageous public servants this country has ever known. ' Patel added, 'He was decorated more than 100 times for bravery, valor, and service, having rescued victims from burning buildings, survived assassination attempts, and brought some of the world's most dangerous criminals to justice.' 'His legacy is not just in the medals or the titles, but in the lives he saved, the city he helped rebuild, and the country he served with honor,' Patel said. Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani remembered their long friendship on 'The Rudy Giuliani Show.' He said, 'We've been together since the beginning. He's like my brother.' 'I was a better man for having known Bernie. I certainly was a braver and stronger man,' Giuliani added. Who was Bernard Kerik? Born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1955, Kerik dropped out of high school but earned a GED before joining the US Army. After military service, he pursued a career in law enforcement, eventually rising through the ranks. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Appointed by Giuliani as police commissioner in 2000, Kerik gained national prominence during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, coordinating emergency response efforts alongside Giuliani after the World Trade Center collapse. Over his 35-year career, Kerik received more than 100 awards for meritorious and heroic service, including a presidential commendation for heroism from former President Ronald Reagan and two Distinguished Service Awards from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In 2010, Kerik was convicted of federal tax fraud and false statement charges related to over $250,000 in apartment renovations funded by a construction firm. He was sentenced to three years in prison and released in 2013. In 2020, President Donald Trump pardoned him. A staunch Trump ally and vocal critic of the criminal justice system, Kerik later worked with Giuliani investigating claims of election fraud after the 2020 elections. He was also called to testify before the House committee investigating the January 6 Capitol riots, according to Fox News. Bernard Kerik, NYPD commissioner on 9/11, dies at 69 | LiveNOW from FOX