AVENIR 2019 –‘be future ready’, a comprehensive project, designed and aimed at effectively guiding students and parents to chart out the future course of action after school education, was inaugurated at Indian School Al Seeb on Thursday, 10th October 2019in the presence of a host of dignitaries, parents, teachers and students across Indian Schools in Oman.

Dr. Suad Bint Mubarak Saeed Al Fori, DG of Private Schools, Ministry of Education was the Chief Guest. The Keynote Speaker was Prof. Fouad B. Chedid, Vice Chancellor, A’Sharqiya University. Dr. Baby Sam Samuel, Chairman, Board of Directorsof Indian Schools, members on Board, Presidents and members of the Committees and Principals of various Indian Schools in Omangraced the occasion.

The Inaugural Ceremony included a harmonious rendition of theme Song by the choir and an enchanting cultural display ‘Shape Your destiny’ portraying various phases of school life. It was followed by Career talks and Soft Skills speeches under different domains by renowned speakers and resource personsin the Sultanate. These sessions were attended by over 2000 students of Secondary and Senior Secondary classesacross all Indian Schools in Oman.
The vital objective of the event was to facilitate the students with the dissemination of information about employment and higher education opportunities and to enkindle their minds with diversified fields and motivate them to choose the course of their interest and caliber.

In his opening message, Chairman Dr. Baby Sam Saamuel stressed on the need to keep pace with the changing world and urged students to find purpose, passion and power and fulfill their full potential. “As board, we are happy & honored to do what we can to broaden the horizons of thinking of our children with the second edition of Avenir 2018 – a platform that brings together tomorrow’s citizens and today’s change-makers”, said Dr. Saamuel.
Chief Guest Dr. Suad Bint Mubarak Saeed Al Fori, DG of Private Schools, Ministry of Education said that the Ministry of Education would extend its support in all educational endeavors undertaken by the Indian Schools in Oman. Keynote speaker Prof. Fouad B. Chedid stressed the importance of thinking out of the box and encouraged the students to be innovative.

The highlight of the day was the Panel Discussion on ‘Artificial Intelligence and 21stCentury Careers’. Dr. Amer Al Rawas, Founding Partner of Paradigms Consulting LLC was the Chief Guest and the keynote speaker. He spoke on the importance of emotional andsocial intelligence besides cognitive intelligence. His highly edifying talk with touches of humour captivated the audience.

The distinguished panelists who spoke on the topic were Mrs. Shyamala Srinivas, Asst. Professor, Middle East College, Dr. VinuSherimon, Asst. Head, Academic Committee, Higher College of Technology, Dr. Siva Kumar, Head of E-learning, Oman Dental College, Mr. Vijaykrishna Venkataraman, Data Analytics Lead, Central Bank of Oman, Mr. Sachin Ravindra Toprani, Director, SACTECH. Dr. Alex C Joseph,Asst. Educational Advisor, Board of Directors for Indian Schools, was the moderator for the discussion. The discussion followed by the interaction with the students was undeniably prolific.

The arrival of a student impersonating ‘Sophia’, the robot and her interaction with the moderator and the audience was the icing on the cake.

Avenir 2019 provided a platform to the students to get themselves acquainted with myriads of educational opportunities available with renowned universities and also gave an insight into the relevance of Artificial Intelligence in the modern world. All in all, it served as an enlightening and informative event for the students.

The second phase of Avenir 2019 was concluded with the motivational address by Prof. L.S. Ganesh, renowned academician and former Dean of IIT Madras, on 10th October 2019 at Indian School Al Seeb.

Dr. Baby Sam Saamuel, Chairman – Board of Directors, Indian Schools Oman presided over the event as the Chief Guest. Members of the Board of Directors, School Management Committees, Teachers, parents and students from different Indian Schools attended the programme.

The highlight of the day was the motivational speech by Prof. L.S. Ganesh who underscored the significance of self-discipline to be successful in life. He emphasized on the importance of time management with examples from his own life. He asserted that discipline is the key to success and advised the students to adhere to principles and values that make better humans for society.

The event began with a message by Mr. AjitPanicker, Director in Charge of Indian School Al Seeb. He welcomed the august gathering and highlighted how the large number of students who participated in the Avenir benefited from the career guidance talks organized as part the event. Avenir 2019 provided a platform to the students to get themselves acquainted with myriads of educational opportunities available with renowned universities and also gave an insight into the relevance of Artificial Intelligence in the modern world.

The day’s programme included a harmonious rendition of theme Song by the school choir and an enchanting cultural display ‘Shape Your destiny’ portraying various phases of school life.The vital objective of the event was to facilitate the students with the dissemination of information about employment and higher education opportunities and to enkindle their minds with diversified fields and motivate them to choose the course of their interest and calibre.

Prof. L.S. Ganesh addressed the teachers of different Indian Schools the next day. He discussed the challenges of a teacher in the new educational scenario and spoke about the significant role of teachers in moulding the young to become responsible global citizens.