In a pursuit to inculcate scientific temperament and innovative spirit amongst students,Indian School Salalah under the aegis of Board of Directors,Indian Schools in Oman launched ‘STAI 2021- Science Technology and Innovation’ on 18th September, 2021.
The launch ceremony was graced by the chief guest Dr.Amer Al Rawas, Chairman, Themar Group. Other dignitaries were Dr. Sivakumar Manickam, Chairman, Board of Directors, Indian Schools in Oman, Mr. Sirajudeen Nhelat, DIC Indian School Salalah, Keynote speaker Dr. Varsha Kelkar, Fellow, Royal Society of Chemistry, HoD Dept. of Bio Technology , University of Mumbai, Dr. Syed AhsanJamil, President, School Management Committee, Indian School Salalah and Principal of the host school Mr.Deepak Patankar. The event was attended by the members of the Board, School Management Committees, Principals of various Indian Schools in Oman, Teachers and Participating students.
In his presidential address,Dr. Syed Ahsan Jamil, President of School Management Committee focused on the need to inculcate scientific attitude in today’s generation and develop a sense of curiosity and creativity which will help humanity and make the world a better place to live in these challenging times.
The introductory message by Dr. Sivakumar Manickam, Chairman Board of Directors, Indian Schools in Oman highlighted the technology integration in various walks of human life today. Events like STAI are organized with an objective of providing a stage to young talents to showcase their talents in the field of Science, Technology and Innovation. “STAI 2021 recognizes the inquisitive minds of children and fosters their individual growth through research and exploration,” he said.
This mega event on Science, Technology and Innovation 2021, featuring the tagline “Curious by Heart, Creative by Minds”was launched virtually by chief guest Dr. Amer Al Rawas, Chairman of Themar Group. In his inaugural address, he appreciated the initiative taken by Indian schools to organize Tech events. Science and technology go hand in hand and it isthe effective implementation of theoretical knowledge which makes technology as a way of life, he added.
Indian school Salalah has marched majestically to accomplish 40 years of academic excellence since its inception in 1981 and in the gracious presence of the Indian School Board Chairman and other dignitariesISS@40 logo was unveiled in a video presentation.
Mr. Sirajudeen Nhelat, DIC, Indian School Salalah, in his felicitation highlighted the three fold aim of STAI. It helps students to develop the curiosity in various areas of science and technology and to provide an arena for practical implementation of acquired knowledge.
Keynote speaker for the launch ceremony, Dr. Varsha Khelkar, Fellow, Royal Society of Chemistry, HoD Department Bio-Technology, and University of Mumbai, an expert in the field of science and technology shared her views on Environment and Biotechnology, with emphasis on diagnostics and therapeutics, paleontology & archival preservation, bio prospecting and bio-valorization. She urged students to take up research as a career as it is extremely rewarding. She also stressed that creativity and collaboration must become valued education giving the example of covid vaccine which proved to be a boon in the current pandemic. ‘Research is like winning an event, creating a piece of art and making a new dish’she added.
A video presentation highlighting the journey of STAI 2021 gave a glimpse on how Indian School Salalah has functioned to make this dream come true.Thematic dance ‘Save-the Planet Earth’ by vivacious dancers effectively complimented the theme-to protect the mother earth. The young dynamic dancers delivered an outstanding performance. Mr. Deepak Patankar, Principal Indian School Salalah concluded the launch ceremony with the vote of thanks.
The two days mega inter school event STAI 2021 commences on Saturday, 25th September with an inaugural ceremony followed by a series of events for two days culminating with a valedictory ceremony on Sunday, 26th September. Diverse programs, activities and contests will be held under different categories of age groups. The innovative programmes include Mobile app development, Computer games development, Design 3D model/ sketch, Design AI project, Science spell bee, Science comic strip, animated stick puppet show, Science based debate, Science & Maths quiz and Science photography. Participation of 18 Indian schools speaks volumes about the immense popularity of this event.