Indian Schools in Oman came together to celebrate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, paying a befitting tribute to the Father of their Nation, at a ceremonious and awe-inspiring programme organized by the Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir under the aegis of the Board of Directors, Indian Schools in Oman on Saturday, 19th October 2019.
H.E. Munu Mahawar, Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman presided over the function as the Chief Guest while Sheikh Kanaksi Gokaldas Khimji was the Guest of Honour. H.E. Omar Lebbe Ameerajwad, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Sultanate of Oman was the Special Guest on the occasion.
Dr. Baby Sam Saamuel, Chairman – Board of Directors, Indian Schools Oman and other members on the Board, Mr. Kiran Asher, Former Chairman of Indian Schools, Mr. RajendraVed, Director of Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir, President Mr. Alkesh Joshi and other members of the School Management Committee, Principals and academic administrators of Indian Schools, parents and students were also present on the occasion.
One thousand students from different Indian Schools were arrayed with solar lights depicting Gandhi’s image and a spectacular display of the school band consisting of nearly four hundred students showcasing different formations were the highlights of the inaugural ceremony that enraptured the spectators and kept them spellbound.
Students of eight Indian Schools presented programmes centered on themes of peace, unity, and ahimsa and other values promulgated by Gandhi. Stage performances were interspersed with musical programmes which kept the audience mesmerized with Gandhian ideals and filled them with patriotic fervor.
Mr. Alkesh Joshi, Honorary President of the School welcomed the august gathering and lauded the collaborative efforts of the participating Indian Schools in celebrating the event in the most befitting manner.
Dr. Baby Sam Saamuel spoke about the perennial relevance of Gandhian ideals of Ahimsa, and Tolerance. “In order for us to move forward, to make progress, it is time that we went back – to Gandhi, his ideals and his ideologies. Let our time and life be spent mindfully, with passion & purpose”, said Dr. Samuel while invoking the need for greater tolerance, inclusion, and acceptance in the upcoming new decade.
Indian School Muladha presented a tableau on ‘Mahatma – an Embodiment of Peace and Non-violence’. ‘The Story of the Unique Soul’ was the title of a ballad presented by Indian School Darsait. Indian School Al Ghubra presented a role play titled ‘In the Footsteps of the Mahatma’ and the most spectacular was ‘Karyanjali’, the shadow play presented by Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir.
Choirs from Indian School Al Seeb, Indian School Al Maabela and Indian School Muscat presented melodious renditions to patriotic songs rejuvenating our love for the motherland. Indian School Sohar showcased ‘The Livery of India, the Majestic Khadi’ through fashion parade. A befitting ‘tribute to the Mahatma, the Guru of Peace’ was the title of the dance presentation by the Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir International School.