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.