The Board of Directors of Indian Schools in Oman, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, organized a mega Cultural Exchange Programme to mark the National Day celebrations of Oman, on Thursday, 06 December 2018 at Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir (Primary School Grounds).
The Cultural Programme, a novel initiative, named ‘Al Ta’ayush Al Silmi – Bonding Beyond Boundaries’ showcased indigenous cultural programme from different communities, by the private and international schools in Oman. Each school presented a programme which was unique to its culture and tradition. In this way, ‘Al Ta’ayush Al Silmi’ displayed a spectrum of cultural diversity; the ultimate objective of the programme was to educate the young minds that they need to stand united to build up a new world where peace and harmony prevails.
His Excellency Dr. Hamoud bin Khalfan Al Harthy, Undersecretary of Education and Curricula, Ministry of Education was the Chief Guest. His Excellency Shri Munu Mahawar, Ambassador of India to the Sultanate and His Excellency Nour Ettean Al Rray, Ambassador of Tunisia to the Sultanate of Oman were the Guests of Honour. Consular Officials from the Embassies of Egypt, Filipino, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka were the special guests on the occasion.
In his welcome address, Dr. Baby Sam Saamuel, Chairman, Board of Directors – Indian Schools in Oman said, “In honour of Oman’s 48th National Day, ‘Al Ta’ayush Al Silmi’ is a new initiative by the Indian Schools in Oman, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, to highlight and promote the cultural diversity and fellowship we are so privileged to witness in this nation. By bringing together various schools of different nationalities under one roof, we are hoping to sow the seeds of acceptance and love in our schools and our children. The world ahead needs future generations of youth with a global outlook who are culturally sensitive, aware and accepting and this is what we wish to create.”
Mr. Mahmood Yahya Al Husaini, Director General Assistant for Administration and Financial Affairs, Ministry of Education, gave a presentation on the glimpses of cultural exchange programmes organized by the Ministry in the yesteryears. Dignitaries from the Ministry of Education, Members of the Board of Directors of different international schools were present on the occasion.
Students from Omani, Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, Egyptian, Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan Schools participated in the cultural evening with their rich traditional numbers. The special children of Al Injaz School Muscat won everyone’s hearts with their performance. A digital presentation on the progress Oman has made since 1970 gave insights into the major milestones of achievements of the Sultanate.
Mr. Alkesh Joshi, Indian School Board Member and the President of Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir proposed the vote of thanks. He thanked the Ministry of Education for their support in all endeavours of Indian Schools. He expressed his gratitude to the participating schools of different nationalities for presenting a mosaic of cultural blend which has made the event singularly unique.