A week-long glory and pomp in Science Technology and Innovation (STAI) under the aegis of the Board of Directors of Indian Schools in Oman, came to a splendiferous close on 3rd September 2022 with the Valedictory Function held at Indian School Darsait.

The Chief Guest on the occasion was Dr. Moosa Al Kindi, Dean, Modern College of Business and Science while Enr. Fahad Juma Al Gahbshi, Director, Technical Affairs, Muscat Municipality, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour and the Special Guest of the day was Mr. Younis Sakhi Al Balushi, Member, Tourism Committee, Oman, Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The event was presided by Dr. Sivakumar Manickam, Chairman, BoD, Indian Schools in Oman.

Among the other dignitaries who attended the event were Mr. Syed Salman, Vice Chairman BoD, Mr. Sirajuddin Nhelat and Mr. Gajesh Dhariwal, Directors in Charge, Indian School Darsait, Presidents and Members of School Management Committee from the Indian Schools in Oman, Mr. M P Vinoba, Senior Principal and Education Advisor, BoD, Mr. Ajit Vasudevan, Chairperson, STAI 2022, Principals of Indian Schools in Oman, Sponsors, Teachers , Parents and participants.

Earlier the event was inaugurated on 27th August 2022 and various competitions were conducted namely, Mobile Application, Digital Symposium-Artificial Intelligence: Past, Present and Future. The Valedictory Function began with the rendition of Royal Anthem of Oman followed by the National Anthem of India as a befitting tribute to the two great nations. The lighting of the ceremonial lamp and invoking the blessing of the Almighty provided the right ambience to the function.

The main objective of STAI was to bring out the innovative thoughts and ideas created in young minds with a platform to explore and excavate the creative thoughts. Opportunities were given to students of Indian Schools across the Sultanate of Oman to showcase their innovations.

Bhavika Biju, Head Girl extended a cordial welcome to the Chief Guest, dignitaries and to the general audience. Dr. Sivakumar Manickam, Chairman, BoD in his presidential address said, “Science inculcates lifelong skills in students’ that allow them to generate ideas, make decisions intelligently, teach technological literacy and provide skills related to critical thinking and problem solving through science education.” He added that programs like STAI instincts a scientific temperament in our students, where they as future leaders respond positively to the change. Further, he congratulated team ISD for successfully completing STAI 2022 which provided a great platform for students of Indian Schools in Oman to express their inquisitive minds.

Dr. Moosa Al Kindi, Chief Guest, while delivering his speech conveyed the message that STAI 2022 was a well-organized and well guided event. He added that, it provided the platform to showcase the students’ innovative ideas furthermore, building their confidence and encouraging them throughout. He further said, “In this century the students are expected to think creatively, work cooperatively, make judgements wisely and communicate clearly. He also added that this is a great opportunity for the competing teams to enhance their skills. Indian School Darsait under the aegis of BoD has given a forum to understand and recognize young aspiring scientists, make them take pride in their achievements and celebrate the victory of this mega event”.

18 schools participated in STAI 2022. Students were given the opportunity of participating in seven events to exhibit their best. The Chief Guest felicitated the A+ winners. A+ Winners were from Indian School Al Ghubra for Code Wars, Indian School Darsait and Indian School Al Seeb for Mobile App Development and Digital Symposium, Indian School Darsait for Science Skit while Indian School Darsait and Indian School Sohar shared the A+ winners for Science e-Magazine. The Chairman BoD felicitated the A+ winners for the Science and Maths Exhibition. For the Mathematics exhibition, the A+ winners were Indian School Al Seeb and Indian School Salalah, whereas in Science Exhibition the winners were Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir, Indian School Darsait, Indian School Ibra and Indian School Muladha.

As a preview to the STAI 2022 souvenir, a handbook was released by the Chief Guest while the Chairman BoD and the STAI Chairperson joined the Chief Guest for the release.

As a mark of honour and gratitude, the Chief Guest was felicitated by the Chairman BoD and STAI Chairperson felicitated the Chairman BoD .

‘Glimpses of STAI 2022’ was indeed an enthralling show revealing the details of online and offline competitions. Earlier, the day began with Science and Mathematics Exhibitions where the students proved their caliber and mettle through projects, models from low cost to eco-friendly products. A ‘classicofolk’ was performed as part of the culmination event.

The Guest of Honour ENR. Fahad Juma Al Ghabshi and Mr. Gajesh Dhariwal, DIC, ISD honoured the participating schools. As a mark of respect the Guest of Honour was felicitated by Mr. Gajesh Dhariwal and Mr. Ajit Vasudevan felicitated Mr. Gajesh Dhariwal.

The panel of elite judges were also felicitated on this momentous occasion by the Special Guest and Mr. Sirajudheen Nhelat. As a token of our appreciation the Special Guest was felicitated by Mr. Sirajudeen Nhelat while Mr. Ajit Vasudevan felicitated the Special Guest.

Elizabeth Gigi, General Prefect, Student Council proposed the Vote of Thanks sharing her profuse gratitude and appreciation to every noble heart especially the dignitaries, sponsors, staff, students and parents in making the event a grand success. The zestful valedictory function came to an end with the School Anthem.

Indian Schools across the Sultanate of Oman came together to celebrate Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (India@75 Celebrations) on Saturday, 3rd September 2022 from 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Indian School Muscat.
Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (India@75 Celebrations) is an initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of Independence and the glorious history of its people, culture and achievements. This is a festival of awakening of the nation; festival of fulfilling the dream of good governance; and the festival of global peace and development.

While inaugurating the mega event, Dr. Sivakumar Manickam, Chairman, Board of Directors said, “The Mahotsav is dedicated to the people of India who have not only been instrumental in bringing India thus far in its evolutionary journey. It is an embodiment of all that is progressive about India’s socio-cultural, political and economic identity.”

Mr. Sachin Toprani, President of the School Management Committee welcomed the august gathering and congratulated the participating schools on their efforts to make the event a memorable. Mr. Syed Salman, Head of the Celebrations Committee elucidated the objectives of the event.

The overwhelming participation of seventeen Indian Schools in the various competitive spirit-filled events that were organized as part of the celebrations was quite overwhelming. The pavilions depicting the rich culture and heritage of different states were the most spectacular rendezvous for the thousands of students. The dignitaries, teachers and parents who visited the pavilions were highly impressed by the handicraft models which were unique to each of the states represented by the schools.

Hundreds of students participated in the various competitions organized during the day, viz. Prop Box Play, Painting, Poetry writing, India@75 Talks and the rendition of Medley of Patriotic Songs. The Sports events organized in Football and Basketball witnessed the best of teams from different schools vying for the first positions amidst the roaring cheers of their peers.

The Valedictory Function of the celebrations displayed the best of patriotic dance forms from the Indian Schools in the capital area. The fully-packed auditorium of Indian School Muscat was spell-bound by the music and dance performances, including that of the children of Care and Special Education whose programme received a standing ovation of the audience.

His Excellency Shri Amit Narang, Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman was the Chief Guest at the Valedictory function. The programme was graced by His Excellency Dornath Aryal, Ambassador of Nepal, Mr. Asadul Haque, Second Secretary from the Embassy of Bangladesh, Mr. Tianny Zubair, Consular from the Embassy of Sudan, besides the esteemed presence of the Indian Embassy Officials.

His Excellency the Ambassador addressed the gathering with his influential speech in appreciation of students for their dedication and love towards the Nation. He explicated the meaning of freedom by quoting the famous talisman of Mahatma Gandhi, “Whenever you are in doubt, or when the self becomes too much with you, apply the following test – Recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man whom you may have seen, and ask yourself, if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him.”

Chairman Dr. Sivakumar Manickam applauded the efforts of Indian School Muscat Management Committee and the Principal for the seamless conduct of the event in a professional manner. “It has been a herculean task for the organizing school to coordinate with all the schools for making the event seamless. I thank the Principals and teachers for preparing our students with their performances which added grandeur to the programme”, Chairman said.

Mr. Syed Salman, Head of India@75 Celebrations Committee, presented an overview of the day’s events and Mr. Sachin Toprani, President, Indian School Muscat Management Committee proposed the vote of thanks. The day’s events were rounded off with a friendly cricket match between the Ambassador’s XI and Chairman’s XI.