The prestigious ‘Navin Asher-Kazi Awards for Excellence in Teaching’ instituted by the Board of Directors of Indian Schools in Oman,were conferred on ten teachers from Indian Schools in the Sultanate of Oman at a ceremonious function organized on 28th May 2022 at Indian School Al Seeb.

His Excellency Shri Amit Narang, Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Ms. Shununa Salim Alhabsi, Assistant Director General for Special Education, Ministry of Education was the Guest of Honour. Dr. Sivakumar Manickam, Chairman, Board of Directors, Indian Schools in Oman presided over the function.

Dr. MahaKobeil, Dean and CEO of Majan University College, Muscat, delivered the keynote address. The function was attended by Mr. Kiran Asher and family, the patrons of the Award; Members of the Board of Directors, Presidents, Principals and the award nominees of Indian Schools.

In the introductory address Dr. Sivakumar Manickam, Chairman, Board of Directors – Indian Schools in Oman, highlighted the relevance of teachers made more visible by the pandemic, stressed the significant role teachers play in the lives of students. Dr. Manickam announced the Board’s plan to institute school-wise awards in addition to the existing Awards for Excellence to motivate and encourage more participation of the teachers.

Navin Asher Kazi Award for Excellence in Teaching was conferred on ten teachers by the Chief Guest H.E. Shri Amit Narang and the Guest of Honour Ms. Shununa Salim Alhabsi, Assistant Director General for Special Education in the Ministry of Education.

The teachers who won this prestigious award in different categories are Mrs. Manjubashini Saiprasanna (Indian School Al Maabela) and Mrs. Rejani Baiju (Indian School Nizwa) in the Kindergarten category;Mrs. M. Dhanya and Mrs. Neethu Chandran from Indian School Al Maabelain the Primary School Category; Mrs. Abida Akthar and Mrs. Anu B. Mathew from Indian School Muscat in the Middle School Category;Mr. C.P. Sudheer (Indian School Al Maabela) and Dr. N. Sujatha (Indian School Sur) in the Senior School Category; Mr. Vijayarajakumar (Indian School Muscat) and Mr. Afzalkhan Sherkhan (Indian School Al Ghubra) in the Co-scholastic Category.

In addition to the above, eighteen teachers in different categories were given Certificates of Recognition for their outstanding contribution in the field of education. The awards were given away by Mr. Sirajudeen Nhelat, Academic Chair, Indian School Board and Ms. Jesal Asher, Executive Director, Al Ansari Group of Companies.

His Excellency the Ambassador felicitated Mrs. Santhy Krishnan in recognition of her long service as the Headmistress of Indian School Masirah. His Excellency also felicitated CBSE Best Teacher Awardee Mr. Vikram Singh Yaduvanshi of Indian School Muscat on the occasion.

Vice Chairman Mr. Syed Salman and Finance Director Mrs. Ashwini Sawrikar honoured teachers who obtained ‘Meritorious Achievements’ in the last academic year. Two teachers who qualified for this unique award are Mrs. SanchitaVerma (Principal, Indian School Sohar) and Dr. Bindhu Murukesan (Indian School Darsait).

Teachers who secured different positions in the competition organized as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav were also felicitated on the occasion.They include Mrs. Sreevidya S. (Indian School Salalah), Mrs. Sandhini Dinesh (Indian School Bousher), Mrs. Prisca Helen P., Mrs. RenyBijosh, Mrs. Aswathi Sanju Chandran and Mrs. Jayashree T.S. (Indian School Al Maabela)

The cultural programme put up on the occasion by the students of Indian School Al Seeb brought out the theme of positive influence of teachers on students at different levels.Mr. Renjith Kumar, the President of the School Management Committee proposed the vote of thanks.

‘Synergy’, an annual event conducted by the Indian School Board for interacting with the members of the School Management Committees of Indian Schools across the Sultanate in order to underscore their concerted commitment in serving community through the education of the young.

The programme is being organized as part of the induction of the new members of the Management Committees of different Indian Schools. The ideas transpired on the occasion would acquaint the newly inducted members with their roles and responsibilities and enable them to be effective social leaders in the cause of education. As for the existing members, ‘Synergy’ would give them an opportunity to rededicate themselves in their commitment to the voluntary service in the over-all development of the schools.

‘Synergy 2022’ was inaugurated by Chairman Dr. Sivakumar Manickam in the presence of Vice ChairmanMr. Syed Salman, Finance Director Mrs. Ashwini Sawrikar and the other esteemed members on the Board.

The Board has also launched an ‘Integrated Recruitment Portal for Indian Schools’ which is expected to streamline and facilitate staff recruitment processes in schools.

The Chairman applauded the phenomenal growth of Indian Schooling system in Oman and thanked the yeomen services rendered by the Management Committees of the past and the present.

“The journey that began 47 years ago with 135 students and 7 teachers in a rented building has grown from strength to strength and today we have 21 Schools across the Sultanate with 40000 students and 2000 staff, the largest community school network with unique features that stand as a model to educationists around the world”, recalled Dr. Manickam.
The Directors on the Board presented insights on the various aspects of School Management which would enable all the participants to work as a team for the holistic enhancement of the Indian Schooling System.

Mr. Syed Salman, Vice Chairman of Indian School Board, enumerated the growth of Indian Schools over the years and envisioned the way forward with a single objective of value based education of the young. Mrs. Ashwini Sawrikar, the Finance Director of the Board, presented valuable information on judicious management of finances of the Schools.
Mr. Anuj Swarup, Second Secretary at the Embassy of India who is also a member on the Board of Directors, gave his perception of Indian Schooling system from a diplomat’s point of view. Mr. Sirajudeen Nhelat, the Academic Chair on the Board, has described how Indian Schools cater to the 21st century skills required for the holistic development of students by the different activities and initiatives of the Board.

Mr. Harshendu Shah, a senior member on the Board,enlightened the attendees with the rich legacy of Indian Schools in Oman and enlisted the contribution the management committee members of the past. Mr. Gajesh Dhariwal, Head of the Grievance Committee in the Board, explained the different levels of addressing the grievances of the employees.
Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) is an indispensable part of any organization, particularly in educational institutions. The importance of maintaining a foolproof HSE was underscored by Mr. DevsingPatil, the Head of HSE sub-committee on the Board.

Insights on ‘Impact of VAT on Indian Schooling System’ was given by Mr. Alkesh Joshi, President of Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir. Mr. SachinToprani, President of Indian School Muscat Management Committee, discussed the influence of Information Technology in the Education System.

Highlighting the roles and responsibilities of the Management Committee in the effective running of Schools, Mr. Vinoba M.P., Senior Principal and Education Advisor to the Board of Directors, spoke on the relationship between SMC and school administration.

School Management Committees through their selfless service to the society not only ensure the sustainability of Indian Schools in Oman, but also sowthe seeds of comradeship and empathy in the minds of generations to come through their kind association in the community development activities.