AVENIR 2023 is a Global Career Guidance Event, hosted by Indian School Darsait under the aegis of the Board of Directors, Indian Schools Oman, is ready for an exciting and vibrant Inaugural Ceremony on the 7th December 2023.
Dr. Sivakumar Manickam, Chairman of the Indian School Board will preside over the function. “The sole purpose of the event is to reach out to students, guide them to fulfil their professional aspirations and thus help them take a leap through their career”, said Dr Sivakumar Manickam by highlighting the objectives of the event.
Psychometric Assessment for the students of Classes 9 and 10 was conducted as a precursor to Avenir. The outcome of this test would not only help the students to improve key skills but also identify areas that need attention. Students would also receive a comprehensive report about their abilities and aptitudes along with recommended career options. The report would also have their aptitude score potential pertaining to verbal, numerical, perceptual, spatial and practical skills
Avenir 2023 is a three-day event with enriching sessions for students and parents across the globe. The Career Expo which is being held at Hotel Al Falaj as part of Avenir will provide an opportunity for the parents and students to touch base with dozens of potential universities and career experts. They can discover a wide range of career paths available by streams, job functions and sectors. The event is poised to ignite the minds of students and parents with a cascade of available information and career opportunities.

The sixth edition of the career event AVENIR 2023 was organised by Indian School Darsait under the aegis of the Board of Directors, Indian Schools, Sultanate of Oman, on 7, 8 and 9 December 2023.
The mega event with the tagline, ‘Be Future Ready’, was inaugurated by Sheikh Yaqoob Saif Al Shehami, Director General, Career Guidance and Counselling Students Centre, Ministry of Education, Oman. Dr. Sivakumar Manickam, Chairman, Board of Directors, Indian Schools, Oman, presided over the function while Dr. Fatin Al Zadjali, Head of Learning and Development, Bank Dhofar, and Mr. Abdul Hameed Al Balushi, Counsellor, Foreign Ministry, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, graced the occasion as the Guests of Honour. Mrs. Salony Priya Ummeed, Counselling and Consulting Services, Kolkata, India, was the keynote speaker on the occasion.
The function began with the Royal Anthem of Oman, followed by the National Anthem of India, lighting of the Ceremonial Lamp, and a prayer song. In his welcome address, Mr. Vijaya Saravanan Sankaran, President, School Management Committee, called upon the students to embark on the journey of self-discovery, exploration, and enlightenment. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sivakumar Manickam said, “Exploring the realms of humanities, science, or commerce unveils a landscape of equal opportunities. Choosing a career that resonates with personal interests is a commendable decision”.
Dr. Fatin Al Zadjali shared her views on various career options. She said, ‘It’s imperative not only to base career decisions on personal preferences but also to take into account the well-being of the environment, community, and the people around us’. Mr. Vinod Kumar K., Vice Chairperson, AVENIR 2023, proposed the vote of thanks.
In the keynote address of the day, Mrs. Salony Priya called upon the students to discover their distinct talents. Further, she emphasized the significance of deciding whether one envisions oneself as a job creator or someone seeking employment.
AVENIR 2023 came to an end on 9 December, 2023 with a valedictory function. Dr. G.R. Kiran Former Dean, Middle East College, Muscat, was the Chief Guest while Madam Hanan Al Balushi Senior Supervisor, English Language Supervisory Unit, Muscat General Directorate, was the Guest of Honour. Mr. Shalimar Moideen, Chairperson, AVENIR 2023 welcomed the guests.
Dr. G.R. Kiran shared his invaluable thoughts on the essential skills required by today’s youth for an unchartered future where ‘amazing professions are emerging in an ever changing world’. He advised the students to prepare themselves for an ambiguous and uncertain future, and further urged them to develop skills that will enable them to leave a meaningful impact on the hearts and lives of people.
Dr. Sivakumar Manickam congratulated ‘Team ISD’ for organising the event that brought together resource persons from a broad range of careers and expertise, in both offline and online sessions. Mr. Amar Srivastava, Principal, ISD, proposed the vote of thanks and conveyed his profound gratitude to all for making the event a grand success.
Dr. Sangeeth Ibrahim, the Inspirational Speaker for the day, discussed a thought-provoking strategy through an engaging presentation to overcome some of the likely challenges faced by students. His skillful explanation of the journey from possessing multiple personalities to tips on staying focused to achieve success left an indelible impression on the audience.
Alongside the varied career talks in the school auditoriums, a Career Expo, held at Al-Falaj Hotel on 8th and 9th December 2023, attracted a large number of students and parents.
AVENIR 2023, which will be remembered as an overwhelming success in terms of participation, media coverage and outreach to the Indian diaspora, was attended by the distinguished members of the Board of Directors, Indian Schools, Oman, officials from the Ministry of Education, members of the School Management Committee, principals, teachers, parents and students of various Indian schools in Oman, sponsors of the event and well-wishers of the Indian schooling system.

The Board of Directors, Indian Schools Oman, through Samriddhi Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, an ISO VLE Platform to develop collaborative initiatives, offers Psychometric Assessment for the Indian School students of Class IX & X starting from 15th November 2023.
The Assessment is beneficial to students who are preparing to select their stream of studies or choosing a career. Through the Assessment, students will also come to know the amount of stress and anxiety they are capable of handling. Therefore, it is imperative that they take decisions on their course of study with due consideration of their aptitude and abilities.
“The outcome of this test not only helps to improve key skills but also identify area that needs attention. After taking this assessment, students will receive a comprehensive report about their abilities and aptitudes along with recommended career options. The report will also have their aptitude score potential pertaining to verbal, numerical, perceptual, spatial and practical skills,” said Dr. Sivakumar Manickam, Chairman, Board of Directors, Indian Schools Oman.
This Assessment comes as a precursor to Avenir, an annual event aimed at providing career guidance for students and equipping them with the 21st century skills. Avenir is primed to showcase future-ready careers and courses aligned with the dynamic education and job market. This year, Avenir is being organized by Indian School Darsait in the first week of December.
‘The Samriddhi Psychometric Assessment for Career Path Selection’ is absolutely free of cost. Information regarding this has been circulated among the students of these classes by the Schools.

Indian School Muscat was declared the winners of the Annual Inter-School English Debate competition for the Ambassador’s Trophy this year. The event was organized by Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir under the aegis of the Board of Directors, Indian Schools Oman on Wednesday, 11th October 2023.
Thirty-two participants from sixteen Indian schools battled it out for the much coveted Rolling Trophy which was finally clinched by the ISM team consisting of Calida Simona Machado, who was also adjudged the Best Speaker of the contest, and Justus Sebastian.
His Excellency Shri Amit Narang, the Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and felicitated the winners of the competition. Chairman Dr Sivakumar Manickam, Educational Cell Member Mr. Kiran Asher, ISWK Executive Director Mr. Rajendra Ved, Director on the Board Mr. Harshendu Shah, Education Advisor Mr. Vinoba M.P., Members of the ISWK Management Committee and ISWK Principal Mr. D.N. Rao were among the dignitaries who graced the occasion.
In his address to the august assembly, His Excellency Shri Amit Narang, Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman, eloquently underscored the paramount importance of constructive dialogue in a world being irrevocably shaped by the transformative force of artificial intelligence. He lauded the new name ‘Mon Avis’ given to the competition, a French expression which means ‘my opinion’.
Mr. Vinoba M.P., Senior Principal and Education Advisor declared the results of the competition. Zaina Fathima of Indian School Salalah was adjudged the Second Best Speaker, while Sienna Shibu of Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir was presented with the Consolation Prize. The Award for the Best Rebuttal was bagged by Tarnjot Kaur of Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir.
During the debate, the participants put forth convincing arguments to support or oppose the motion ‘Artificial Intelligence (AI) will transform the world to a better place to live in’.
The competition was adjudged by Dr. Sandhya Rao Mehta, Associate Professor at Sultan Qaboos University, Dr. Binu James Mathew, Assistant Professor at CBFS, and Dr. John Philips Mathew, Senior English Language Officer at the Ministry of Education.
The Board of Directors, Indian Schools Oman thanked Mr. D.N. Rao, the Principal, Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir and the organizing committee of the School for making the event a tremendous learning experience for the young debaters as it gave them an ideal platform to express their views and enhance their public speaking skills.

Indian School Al Maabela organized Science, Technology, And Innovation (STAI 2023) under the aegis of the Board of Directors, Indian Schools in Oman on 8th and 9th of September 2023. The event was aimed at showcasing the talents of young minds in the areas of Science, Technology and Innovation.

The inaugural function was graced by Dr. Khadeeja Ali Mohammad Al Salami, Acting Director General of Private Schools, Ministry of Education as the Chief Guest. Mr. Mahmood Yahya Al Husaini, Director General Assistant for Administrave and Financial Affairs, Directorate General of Private Schools, Ministry of Education was the Guest of Honour. The function was presided over by Dr. Sivakumar Manickam, Chairman, Board of Directors, Indian Schools in Oman.

Suborno Isaac Bari, Global Child Prodigy and CMT Schoalr at New York University delivered the keynote address on the occasion.

Mr. Shamim Hussain, President of the School Management Committee extended a formal welcome to the Chief Guest and other dignitaries.

The event was also graced by Mr. Shameer PTK, Vice Chairman of the Indian School Board, Mr. Syed Salman and Mr. Krishnendhu S., the Directors in charge of Indian School Al Maabela, Mr. Ambalavanan Director on the Board of Directors, Indian Schools, Mr. Vinoba M.P. Education Advisor, Mr. Mohammed Salim Al Hamadani and Mr. Waleed Hamdan Said Al Atbi, Officials from the Ministry of Education, Members of the School Management Committee of Indian School Al Maabela, Principals of different Indian Schools across Oman, Teachers and students.

Chief Guest Dr. Khadeeja Ali Mohammad Al Salami congratulated the Indian Schools on their active participation in such events and expressed her delight in the Indian Schooling system that gives each student the impression that he/she is a significant individual with responsibility in life.

Guest of Honour Mr. Mahmood Yahya Al Husaini appreciated the Indian Schools for ensuring the best education to the students to excel in life.

Speaking on the occasion of future technological innovations and possibilities, Dr. Sivakumar Manickam, Indian School Board Chairman, congratulated the Management, Principal and Staff of Indian School Al Maabela for organizing the fourth edition of STAI in a spectacular manner.

“Indian Schools in Oman provide holistic education to the students. The themes of STAI are selected meticulously to encourage creativity, innovation and to enhance critical thinking and problem solving skills,” Dr. Manickam said.

Mr. P. Prabakaran, Principal of Indian School Al Maabela presented the objectives and highlights of the event and said that STAI 2023 is not merely a celebration but an academic pursuit in alignment with NEP 2020 enabling each participant to be an active contributor in the world of science and innovation.

This was followed by a digital presentation on the salient features of STAI 2023. The event was organized in four categories – Sub Junior, Junior, Senior and Open categories. There was also a daily quiz challenge organized a month prior to the event that created interest among the student community in preparation for STAI 2023.

Other events included in STAI 2023 were Super Spellers, Tell Me Why, Web Design, Robo Race, Codex, Conscentia, Young Scientist, Skidamu, Hack With Ethics and Science Wizard.

Mr. Shameer PTK, Vice Chairman, Board of Directors, Indian Schools Oman and Mr. Syed Salman, Director in Charge of Indian School Al Maabela delivered felicitation addresses on the occasion.

Keynote Speaker Suborno Isaac Bari dwelt on the scientific and technological advancements India has made over the years since its Independence, with special emphasis on the achievement of ISRO in its recent Chandrayan Mission. He also reminisced the famous Indians of the past and the present who have made significant impact to the world in different domains.

Suborno addressed a large number of students, teachers and parents in the interactive he had in the evening at the School lawns. He presented the keynote address at the Valedictory function of STAI 2023 as well which was held on Saturday, 9th September at the School.

Her Highness Sayyida Basma Al Said, Specialist in Mental Health and Founder of Whispers of Serenity Clinic was the Chief Guest at the Valedictory function. His Excellency Shri Amit Narang, Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman and Dr. Ali Saud Al Bimani, Vice Chancellor of National University of Science and Technology were the Guests of Honour.

Her Highness appreciated the students for their achievements and reminded them to be kind and humble in serving humanity. Her Highness exhorted them to share their knowledge with the world and be innovative to help people lead better lives.

His Excellency Shri Amit Narang applauded the significant achievement of STAI in bringing together the young engineering minds of all the Indian Schools across the Sultanate of Oman. “Science is not a subject, it is a way of thinking, way of questioning, and way of exploring the world around you,” His Excellency stated.

Guest of Honour Dr. Ali Saud Al Bimani, Vice Chancellor of National University of Science and Technology was appreciative of the programme and congratulated the Schools for encouraging students to explore more into the domains of science and technology.

CA Ashwini Sawrikar, Finance Director, Board of Directors, Indian Schools and Mr. Krishnendhu S., Director in Charge of Indian School Al Maabela delivered felicitation addresses on the occasion. Mr. Vijay Saravanan, Director, Board of Directors of Indian Schools, graced the occasion with his benign presence.

The scintillating dance and music performances by the students of Indian School Al Maabela enthused the audience with much elation. Merit Certificates and Trophies were given away to the winners and participants of various Schools. In addition to the Indian Schools in the Sultanate of Oman, STAI 2023 witnessed the participation of International, Private and Government Schools from Muscat.

The exceptional success of STAI 2023 was in its participation, a total number of 11,368 students had registered for its different events under four categories.

The Board of Directors, Indian Schools Oman organized Professional Development Programme for its teachers on the 1st and 2nd September 2023 at Indian School Muscat. Dr. Sudha Acharya, CBSE Master Trainer from New Delhi was the resource person.
Dr. Sivakumar Manickam, Chairman, Board of Directors, Indian Schools inaugurated the programme. In his inaugural address, Dr. Manickam accentuated on the need for continuous professional development of teachers particularly in the context of the New Education Policy and the introduction of the revised curriculum framework. “Professional Development Programmes enable teachers to keep pace with the best practices and latest trends in curriculum transaction; and it helps them in crafting personalized and practical lessons for their students,” he observed.
The programme dealt with the implementation of National Education Policy at different levels of schooling. Insights on the National Curriculum Framework and the salient features of NIPUN Bharat and Holistic Progress Card were also explicated for the teachers by the Resource Person.
NEP 2020 was presented as a forward-thinking and transformative document, aiming to align education with global agendas while ensuring quality, affordability, and accessibility in a sustainable manner.

Dr. Acharya highlighted the paramount importance of foundational literacy in a child’s development, which is a primary focus of NEP. Furthermore, she elaborated on the flexibility of the framework, where there’s no rigid separation between academics and co-curricular activities.

NEP 2020 places a strong emphasis on the career progression and capacity building of teachers, emphasizing the need for continuous updates in innovative classroom interaction strategies. Dr. Acharya also stressed on the significance of addressing not only academic excellence but also the social and emotional well-being of children.

Ms. Sudha Acharya gave insights on incorporating accountability, accessibility, equity, equality and gender-sensitive pedagogy in the education system, the 17 SDGs- Sustainable Development goals, Curriculum Mapping and its orientation and how to involve the community in our activities.

The resource person emphasized on Panchakosh Vikas- the five step learning process that is encouraged as per NCF and Vocational education.

The two-day conference was attended by the Principals, Vice Principals, Heads of Departments and teachers of all Indian Schools. There were 700 participants in both the days of the workshop and the rest of the teachers attended the programme virtually from their respective schools.