Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid has personally intervened to help a Dubai teenager who requires a life-saving kidney transplant and dialysis.
Pritvik Sinhadc, 15, from India, was thrilled in 2018 to be named the only World Science Scholar from the Middle East.
But the Dubai College pupil’s world fell apart when he had stage-four renal failure diagnosed last year.
The problem was compounded when Covid-19 struck and his family were told the high risk of infection made travelling to hospital too risky.
Pritvik’s prognosis looked bleak until this week, when he was contacted by the office of the Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.
In a letter, Sheikh Mohammed wrote: “To my dear Pritvik, this is a small gesture from me to you to remind you that you are at home here and that you are in safe hands, and I will pray to God to keep you in good health and safe. Keep smiling, my little warrior.”
The letter came as a huge relief to Pritvik’s parents, who have had to endure a torturous time as they worried about their son’s health.
Thanks to Sheikh Mohammed’s intervention, the Indian teenager will now be prepped for dialysis today and his father will undergo tests to determine whether he can donate one of his kidneys to his son.
“I can’t repay Sheikh Mohammed enough for this wonderful gesture,” said Pritvik, who also received gifts of an iPad and flowers from Sheikh Mohammed. “It’s a huge relief for me and my family but it’s an honour too. It’s made me determined to use my passions and skills to give back to this country for all the opportunities it has provided me.”
Pritvik’s father Bhaskar Sinha, 49, said he thought this day would never come.
When the pandemic hit, he was working outside the country, and managed to return to the UAE only this month after friends of the family appealed for help to Al Jalila Foundation, a philanthropic healthcare organisation set up by Sheikh Mohammed.
“It felt like we were staring into a black hole because the situation looked so bleak,” Mr Sinha said.
“I resigned from my job working for an oil and gas company in Qatar to come back and help my son, but it was so frustrating being stuck over there, unable to do anything.
“Our son’s condition was not covered by his medical insurance so this intervention to help is just like a miracle. We are spellbound.”
Pritvik was born with 50 per cent renal failure, but that had not stopped him making a name for himself with his achievements.
He has written three books already, the first of which, When Dinosaurs Roamed the Earth, was published when he was only seven.
About two years ago, at the age of 14, he was chosen as one of 45 scholars from across the world to take part in the World Science Fair in New York.
This was all the more remarkable because the competition is usually open only to those aged 15 to 17.
Pritvik plans to study for a career in astrobiology and astrophysics when he completes his surgery.
“We’ve had no income for months and have been sinking financially,” said his mother, Indira Dharchaudhuri, 47.
“We were going crazy trying to find a solution for Pritvik.”
Ms Dharchaudhuri said the family was stunned to receive the call from Sheikh Mohammed’s office.
“We were just speechless as our prayers had finally been answered,” she said.
“Pritvik’s body was giving way, so this could not happened at a more crucial time.”
Tomorrow 2021
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Director: Kaouther Ben Hania
Rating: 4/5
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- 600-seat auditorium
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- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
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Tuesday's fixtures
• Remittance charges will be tackled by blockchain
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National Editorial: Suleimani has been killed, now we must de-escalate
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• News has a bright future and the UAE is at the heart of it
• Architecture is over - here's cybertecture
• The National announces Future of News journalism competition
• Round up: Experts share their visions of the world to come
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The burning issue
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Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
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THE BIO
Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979
Education: UAE University, Al Ain
Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6
Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma
Favourite book: Science and geology
Favourite place to travel to: Washington DC
Best advice you’ve ever been given: If you have a dream, you have to believe it, then you will see it.
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• Architecture is over - here's cybertecture
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RESULT
Norway 1 Spain 1
Norway: King (90 4')
Spain: Niguez (47')
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Votes
Total votes: 1.8 million
Ashraf Ghani: 923,592 votes
Abdullah Abdullah: 720,841 votes
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Results
6.30pm: Maiden Dh165,000 (Dirt) 1,200m
Winner: Barack Beach, Richard Mullen (jockey), Satish Seemar (trainer).
7.05pm: Handicap Dh170,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Way Of Wisdom, Connor Beasley, Satish Seemar.
7.40pm: Maiden Dh165,000 (D) 1,900m
Winner: Woodditton, Connor Beasley, Ahmad bin Harmash.
8.15pm: Handicap Dh185,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Secret Trade, Sandro Paiva, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
8.50pm: Handicap Dh185,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Mark Of Approval, Antonio Fresu, Mahmood Hussain.
9.25pm: Handicap Dh165,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Tradesman, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
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MATCH INFO
Barcelona 2
Suarez (10'), Messi (52')
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Ronaldo (14'), Bale (72')
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Price: base / as tested: Dh335,000
Engine: 5.6-litre V8
Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 400hp @ 5,800rpm
Torque: 560Nm @ 4,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.1L / 100km
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RESULTS
Cagliari 5-2 Fiorentina
Udinese 0-0 SPAL
Sampdoria 0-0 Atalanta
Lazio 4-2 Lecce
Parma 2-0 Roma
Juventus 1-0 AC Milan
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- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
The five pillars of Islam
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
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The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative
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Zayed Sustainability Prize
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- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
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- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
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PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES
Saturday (UAE kick-off times)
Watford v Leicester City (3.30pm)
Brighton v Arsenal (6pm)
West Ham v Wolves (8.30pm)
Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (10.45pm)
Sunday
Newcastle United v Sheffield United (5pm)
Aston Villa v Chelsea (7.15pm)
Everton v Liverpool (10pm)
Monday
Manchester City v Burnley (11pm)
Plastic tipping point
Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
- Life in the royal residences with Sheikha Osha bint Nahayan
- Sheikha Mahra and Sheikha Sabha recall their time spent in Al Hosn
- A place where problems were solved
- How the fort's rise tracked Abu Dhabi's development
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• Could the UAE drive India's economy?
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Our commentary on Brexit
- Con Coughlin: Choice of the British people will be vindicated
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Price, base: Dh117,000 (estimate)
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Transmission: Six-speed automatic
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Torque: 147Nm (engine), plus 170Nm (battery)
Fuel economy, combined: 3.4L / 100km
MATCH INFO
Everton v Tottenham, Sunday, 8.30pm (UAE)
Match is live on BeIN Sports
What are the influencer academy modules?
- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
- Cinematography, shots and movement.
- All aspects of post-production.
- Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
- Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
- Tourism industry knowledge.
- Professional ethics.
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
National Editorial: Suleimani has been killed, now we must de-escalate
Mina Al Oraibi: Air strike casts a long shadow over the decade ahead
Jack Moore: Why the assassination is such a monumental gamble
Matthew Levitt: Iran retains its ability to launch terror attacks
Damien McElroy: A CEO tasked with spreading Iran's influence
Hussein Ibish: Trump's order on solid constitutional ground
Simon Waldman: Cautious Israel keeping a low profile
Rashmee Roshan Lall: Sound of silence in South Asia
Richard Olson: Why Afghanistan will be very wary
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
National Editorial: Suleimani has been killed, now we must de-escalate
Jack Moore: Why the assassination is such a monumental gamble
Matthew Levitt: Iran retains its ability to launch terror attacks
Damien McElroy: A CEO tasked with spreading Iran's influence
Hussein Ibish: Trump's order on solid constitutional ground
Simon Waldman: Cautious Israel keeping a low profile
Meydan racecard:
6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 (PA) Group 1 | US$75,000 (Dirt) | 2,200 metres
7.05pm: UAE 1000 Guineas (TB) Listed | $250,000 (D) | 1,600m
7.40pm: Meydan Classic Trial (TB) Conditions | $100,000 (Turf) | 1,400m
8.15pm: Al Shindagha Sprint (TB) Group 3 | $200,000 (D) | 1,200m
8.50pm: Handicap (TB) | $175,000 (D) | 1,600m
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) | $175,000 (T) | 2,000m
10pm: Handicap (TB) | $135,000 (T) | 1,600m
The Beach Bum
Director: Harmony Korine
Stars: Matthew McConaughey, Isla Fisher, Snoop Dogg
Two stars
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
