The third edition of Indian Schools Film Fest was launched at a glittering virtual ceremony organized by Indian School Al Maabela under the auspices of the Board of Directors, Indian Schools in Oman on 13th November 2021.

Mr. Mohammed Salim Al Abri, Senior Studies& Follow-up Specialist, General Directorate of Education, South Batinah region graced the function as the Chief Guest. Dr. Talib Mohammed Al Bulushi, an acclaimed actor and theater artist, was the Guest of Honour.

The event was graced by the presence of Mr. Syed Salman, Vice Chairman, Board of Directors, Mr. Ambujakshan M., Director in Charge of Indian School Al Maabela, Mr. Sujith Kumar, President of the School Management Committee and Mr. P. Parabakaran, Principal, Indian School Al Maabela.

President Mr. Sujith Kumar welcomed the august gathering and underscored the pedagogical significance of the films in the lives of students. In his inaugural address, Mr. Mohammed Salim Al Abri emphasized on the transformation films can bring about in forming the character of students.

“Films can create awareness about the importance of education, art, sports and can also warn us about the dangers of drugs and other criminal activities. It also brings us to understand more about other cultures, and help us understand the world and influences our thought process in a positive way and helps us try to do our bit in order to be of some help to humanity,” Mr. Abri said.

Guest of Honour Dr. Talib Mohammed Al Bulushi spoke encouragingly on the influence of films and the diversified learning aspects about culture, language and traditions children could imbibe in getting involved in film making.

Vice Chairman Mr. Syed Salman delved on the numerous opportunities film industry can provide to the students and how this exceptional medium of art and culture can transform young minds for the better. Mr. Ambujakshan M., the Director-in-Charge of Indian School Al Maabela illustrated the positive impacts films can make in society.

Mr. P. Prabakaran, the Principal of Indian School Al Maabela, expressed his gratitude and hoped that the film fest would be another milestone event for the Indian Schools and other International and Private Schools that take part in the fest.

Indian Schools Film Fest 2021 is characterized by the participation of the International, Private and Government Schools in the Sultanate and it has been envisioned to encourage opportunities for our students who aspire to pursue a career in the field of media and films.

Avenir 2021, nine-day Global career guidance event, organized by Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir under the aegis of the Board of Directors, Indian Schools in Oman, drew to a close on Sunday, the 31st of October, 2021 in a grand valedictory function amidst the presence of an august gathering.

The programme commenced by the lighting of the ceremonious lamp and paying obeisance with the rendering of a melodious prayer song, which set the perfect aura for the evening.

A warm heartfelt welcome was cordially extended by Mr. Alkesh Joshi, Hon. President of the ISWK School Management Committee. He appreciated the presence of the Chief Guest Dr. Biswajit Saha, the valued dignitaries, invitees and fraternities of all schools across the globe. He lauded the contribution of the eminent motivational speakers, university representatives and in particular, congratulated TEAM AVENIRfor splendidly executing the nine-day gala career event.

The programme continued with a significantly effective address by Dr. Sivakumar Manickam, Chairman, Board of Directors of Indian Schools, Oman. His congratulatory message to the host school, ISWK for executing the global event flawlessly, was vociferously conveyed while he acclaimed the efficaciously delivered sessions by the motivational speakers and the university representatives. He encouraged all students to make the best of the information shared during the course of the nine-day sessions, which would guide them to make wise career decisions.“Avenir 2021 has been unique – for the first time it has gone global. Participation of students, schools, universities has increased tremendously. It has become an educational event to be reckoned with globally and it is going to explore more avenues in the years to come for the betterment of our students” Dr. Manickam said.

The contemporary dance that came up next, transformed the stage into a visually appealing setup that displayed nimble feet, dexterous and lissome moves and created an enchanting ambience.

Chief Guest, Dr. Biswajit Saha, Director (Training & Skill Education) Central Board of Secondary Education addressed the gathering. While acknowledging the mammoth effort taken by Team Avenirin seeing to the accomplishment of the event, he congratulated the team and highlighted the significance of keeping up with times and encouraged students to utilize their IT skills constructively and develop varied competencies that will stand them in good stead in the times to come. He also reiterated the importance of nurturingproblem-solvingskills in young generation that will help shape theirbehavioural skills as a message to the parents and teaching community.

To express appreciation to the galaxy of motivational speakers, university representatives, esteemed dignitaries and the august gathering present at AVENIR 2021,an ingeniously designed souvenir on the event was released by the Chief Guest, Dr. BiswajitSaha. The souvenir encompassed relevant details covering the nine days.

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravishankar, the Founder of ‘The Art of Living’, through a video recorded message conveyed his appreciation to the Board of Directors of Indian Schools in Oman and the host school, Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir, for thinking out of the box and energizing a programme of such magnitude offering vital career – choice related information on a single platform. He stressed the importance of inculcating essential values in children right from their young, formative years which will guide them to grow into humane and emphatic citizens of the world. The humongous effort on the part of ISWK towards this, was deeply appreciated by Gurudev Sri SriRavishankar.

‘Pass it On’, the motivational song presented by the western choir was centerstage next. While the school band symbolically conveyed the importance of passing on good deeds and thoughts, they also passed on the onus of continuing with Avenir,to the Board of Directors, Indian schools in Oman.

Avenir 2021 has been an amalgamation of talks, workshops, inspirational addresses, sharing of information and a vibrant platform with easy access to vital comprehensive details pertaining to choices to be made for securing a sound professional future. To showcase the nine-day journey, an all – encompassing vibrant video presentation titled SNIPPETS – AVENIR 2021 was presented by Principal, D.N. Rao. The video called attention to the exemplary contribution made by all who were actively connected to the nine-day global event. Mr. D N Rao commended the efforts of TEAM AVENIR and congratulated all members for their unstinted support and unwavering contribution.

It was time to concede that Avenir 2021 has seen its fruition with the support, dedication and commitment of an assemblage that devoted their all, in ensuring the smooth execution of the Global event. Mr. Sirajudeen Nhelat, Academic Chair, Board of Directors of Indian Schools, Oman, generously thanked and placed on record his appreciation to all concerned, for the successful culmination of Avenir 2021.

Avenir has seen the close of its 2021 global edition, leaving behind fond memories and moving forward with great anticipation in the firm belief that the future workforce will reap best from what AVENIR 2021has offered.

Indian School Salalah organized Science, Technology, And Innovation (STAI 2021) under the aegis of the Board of Directors, Indian Schools in Oman on 25th and 26th of September 2021. The event was aimed at showcasing the talents of young minds in the areas of Science, Technology and Innovation.

The virtual inaugural function was graced by the Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman H.E. Shri Munu Mahawar. The function was presided over by Dr. Sivakumar Manickam, Chairman, Board of Directors, Indian Schools in Oman. Dr. Zahran Al Sati, Dean, CBFS Muscat was the Guest of Honour.

Dr. Syed Ahsan Jamil, President of the School Management Committee extended a formal welcome to the Chief Guest and other dignitaries. Speaking on the vital role Science and Technology has played in the context of the current pandemic, Dr. Jamil reiterated that Science, Technology and Innovation comes to rescue human beings when their very existence is challenged and threatened.

Speaking on the occasion of future technological innovations and possibilities, Dr. Sivakumar Manickam, Indian School Board Chairman, recalled that innovation is nothing but seeing what everybody is seeing but thinking nobody has thought. He further added that, “What is happening now was magical to our ancestors and what is going to happen tomorrow will be magical to us as well and programmes like STAI instill a scientific temperament in students which is a must for innovation.”

H.E. Shri MunuMahawar, Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman, said that science and technology have played a central role in resolving our global challenges. He appreciated the administration and management of Indian School Salalah for the successful completion of 40 years and extended his best wishes to all the participants of the mega event.

The Guest of Honour Dr. Zahran Al Salti, Dean, CBFS appreciated the initiatives of BoD in organizing STAI for its schools across Oman and said that such events are great platforms for students to compete with and help schools to identify talents.

Recognizing the objectives and achievements of the event, CA Ashwini Sawrikar, Finance Director of the Board, during her felicitation address, said that science and technology of today is going to shape up our tomorrow.

The keynote speaker Mr. Rajesh Rana, CEO & Director, Stellar Cyber Analytics created awareness about the consequences and losses due to data theft and pilferage while sharing his views on cyber security, its career values and the skills required to succeed in it. The well-attended inaugural session concluded with vote of thanks proposed by Mr. Yasser Mohammed, Co-convener, School Management Committee.

The inter-school debate that was organized gave students a creative room for verbal battle and expression where students poured out their ideas on the topic ‘Artificial Intelligence will replace humans in the job market in future.’ It was followed by a real-time online fun-filled science spell bee competition for students of middle school. The other events were indeed an opening for students to bring out their ideas with scientific approach and solutions in the form of 3D model design, Mobile App and Computer game development that took place on the inaugural day of STAI 2021.

The second day of STAI was noted for the Puppet Show, followed by the much-awaited Science and Math Quiz, hosted by quizmaster Mr. Latheesh whose enrapturing style added to the thrill of quizzing, where the top teams from various schools fought it out for the trophy. Indian School Salalah stood victorious in the battle of brains.

The afternoon session began with the Comic Strip event, where recorded events were broadcast live. Students were expected to display their creativity in the form of comic strips, with a storyline expected to follow the theme. This was followed by the Artificial Intelligence event, one of the most innovative competitions at the school level; where students were tasked with building an Artificial Intelligence powered chatbot based on open-source chatbot designs.

The valedictory function was presided over by Mr. Syed Salman, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, Indian Schools in Oman. “Success is not an accident, but an outcome of perseverance, hard work, and learning,” he said. He was pleased to see the excitement for the event among students, and appreciated the exposure GenX had received through STAI 2021.

Eng. Ali Salim Omar Fadhil, Vice President of Dhofar Municipality, was the Chief Guest at the valedictory function. He congratulated the students for participating actively in STAI events. Mr. Sanjeev Singh, the Vice President of the School Management Committee, Indian School Salalah extended a warm welcome to the virtual gathering. He emphasized the need for a more sustainable attitude towards earth’s resources.

The keynote speaker Mr. Ravi Shankar from the Department of Atomic Energy, India congratulated the school on forty years of excellence and spoke about experimentation and curiosity.

Mr. Deepak Patankar, Principal, Indian School Salalah proposed the vote of thanks. The STAI 2021 Coordinator Mr. Unnikrishnan, HoD, Social Science expressed his gratitude to all the members of the STAI team and the coordinators of different Indian Schools for the successful completion of the mega event.

In a pursuit to inculcate scientific temperament and innovative spirit amongst students,Indian School Salalah under the aegis of Board of Directors,Indian Schools in Oman launched ‘STAI 2021- Science Technology and Innovation’ on 18th September, 2021.

The launch ceremony was graced by the chief guest Dr.Amer Al Rawas, Chairman, Themar Group. Other dignitaries were Dr. Sivakumar Manickam, Chairman, Board of Directors, Indian Schools in Oman, Mr. Sirajudeen Nhelat, DIC Indian School Salalah, Keynote speaker Dr. Varsha Kelkar, Fellow, Royal Society of Chemistry, HoD Dept. of Bio Technology , University of Mumbai, Dr. Syed AhsanJamil, President, School Management Committee, Indian School Salalah and Principal of the host school Mr.Deepak Patankar. The event was attended by the members of the Board, School Management Committees, Principals of various Indian Schools in Oman, Teachers and Participating students.

In his presidential address,Dr. Syed Ahsan Jamil, President of School Management Committee focused on the need to inculcate scientific attitude in today’s generation and develop a sense of curiosity and creativity which will help humanity and make the world a better place to live in these challenging times.

The introductory message by Dr. Sivakumar Manickam, Chairman Board of Directors, Indian Schools in Oman highlighted the technology integration in various walks of human life today. Events like STAI are organized with an objective of providing a stage to young talents to showcase their talents in the field of Science, Technology and Innovation. “STAI 2021 recognizes the inquisitive minds of children and fosters their individual growth through research and exploration,” he said.

This mega event on Science, Technology and Innovation 2021, featuring the tagline “Curious by Heart, Creative by Minds”was launched virtually by chief guest Dr. Amer Al Rawas, Chairman of Themar Group. In his inaugural address, he appreciated the initiative taken by Indian schools to organize Tech events. Science and technology go hand in hand and it isthe effective implementation of theoretical knowledge which makes technology as a way of life, he added.

Indian school Salalah has marched majestically to accomplish 40 years of academic excellence since its inception in 1981 and in the gracious presence of the Indian School Board Chairman and other dignitariesISS@40 logo was unveiled in a video presentation.

Mr. Sirajudeen Nhelat, DIC, Indian School Salalah, in his felicitation highlighted the three fold aim of STAI. It helps students to develop the curiosity in various areas of science and technology and to provide an arena for practical implementation of acquired knowledge.

Keynote speaker for the launch ceremony, Dr. Varsha Khelkar, Fellow, Royal Society of Chemistry, HoD Department Bio-Technology, and University of Mumbai, an expert in the field of science and technology shared her views on Environment and Biotechnology, with emphasis on diagnostics and therapeutics, paleontology & archival preservation, bio prospecting and bio-valorization. She urged students to take up research as a career as it is extremely rewarding. She also stressed that creativity and collaboration must become valued education giving the example of covid vaccine which proved to be a boon in the current pandemic. ‘Research is like winning an event, creating a piece of art and making a new dish’she added.

A video presentation highlighting the journey of STAI 2021 gave a glimpse on how Indian School Salalah has functioned to make this dream come true.Thematic dance ‘Save-the Planet Earth’ by vivacious dancers effectively complimented the theme-to protect the mother earth. The young dynamic dancers delivered an outstanding performance. Mr. Deepak Patankar, Principal Indian School Salalah concluded the launch ceremony with the vote of thanks.

The two days mega inter school event STAI 2021 commences on Saturday, 25th September with an inaugural ceremony followed by a series of events for two days culminating with a valedictory ceremony on Sunday, 26th September. Diverse programs, activities and contests will be held under different categories of age groups. The innovative programmes include Mobile app development, Computer games development, Design 3D model/ sketch, Design AI project, Science spell bee, Science comic strip, animated stick puppet show, Science based debate, Science & Maths quiz and Science photography. Participation of 18 Indian schools speaks volumes about the immense popularity of this event.

The fraternity of Indian Schools in Oman was enthralled to witness the virtual Grand Finale of the third edition of the Indian School Quiz (ISQUIZ) Competition hosted by Indian School Muscat under the aegis of the Board of Directors, Indian Schools in Oman, on Saturday, 4th September 2021.

The Grand Finale commenced with a video presentation displaying the glimpses of the journey of ISQUIZ 2021. It was followed by the welcome address by Mr. Sachin Toprani, President of the School Management Committee, Indian School Muscat. He lauded the efforts of the Board in providing holistic education to students in different styles and modes of learning.

In the introductory message by Dr. Sivakumar Manickam, Chairman, Board of Directors, Indian Schools in Oman accentuated on the transformation of knowledge over time. “Besides the obvious academic benefits of expanding a student’s knowledge and exploring new skills at an early age, quizzes redefine the education system in significant ways. Today, quizzes are interactive platforms where students are not participating to take home a prize or get famous overnight, but to gain knowledge, seek opportunities to excel beyond academics and secure their future,” Dr. Manickam said.

The Chief Guest His Excellency Shri Munu Mahawar, Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman inaugurated the Grand Finale of ISQUIZ 2021. His Excellency thanked the Board for organizing events to mark AzadiKaAmritMahotsav, the 75th Anniversary of India’s Independence. His Excellency has appreciated the efforts of the Schools in keeping the students effectively engaged during the pandemic and ensuring continuity of education against all odds.

Dr. Ali Al Shukaili, Director General of Private Schools, Ministry of Education expressed his happiness for being part of the event and appreciated Indian Schools for their exemplary educational service catering to the all-round development of students.

The title sponsor of the event, Mr. P.B. Saleem, Managing Director, Noor Gazal Foods and Spices congratulated the organizing team of ISQUIZ and said the he was overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of students in participating in the event and wished all of them success.

ISQUIZ 2021 had competitions organized in sub-junior, junior and senior categories. Nearly ten thousand students from the 21 Indian Schools had vied for the top honours and went through two qualifying rounds, followed by the Mega Prelims and the Grand Finale. Sixteen finalists from both junior and senior categories successfully accomplished the specified benchmark and reached the pinnace of the prestigious Grand Finale of the event.

The finalists in the Junior Category were: Asmi Raniga and Pranav Pramod (Indian School Al Ghubra), AaryanKishorBadgujar and Andrew Jordan (Indian School Muscat), Aditya Verma and ZainaFathima (Indian School Salalah), Aarush Ajith (Indian School Bousher) and Hifza Aziz Ul Hasan (Indian School Sur).

The finalists in the Senior Category were: Pavithra Nair (Indian School Al Ghubra), Tanmay Shukla (Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir), Aysha Davood (Indian School Darsait), Joshua Shalom Armstrong and Faizan Najeeb (Indian School Muscat), Tajaswini Jayakaran (Indian School Salalah), R. Nitinkisor (Indian School Sohar) and Srihari Pradeep (Indian School Sur).

The celebrity Quizmaster Mr. Vinay Mudaliar of Mindcogs ruled the stage with his innovative digital rounds and thought provoking questions. He captivated the audience and left them spell bound with his high energy, quality content and his connect with the competitors.

Assistant Head Boy Viswanath Praveen proposed the vote of thanks; he thanked the Board for conceptualizing the ISQUIZ, the Host School for the smooth conduct of the event and the sponsors for their relentless support.

Covid pandemic was no bar for the students of Indian Schools in Oman; students of Classes 10 and 12 braved all odds to come out with flying colours in the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) results announced recently.

The 2021 Results of the CBSE Board have set an all-time record for the Indian Schools in Oman with an increased percentage of high achievers as compared to previous years, thereby setting another benchmark of excellence in academics.

Indian Schools in Oman have achieved 100% results this year both in Class 10 and 12. Class 10 had a total of 1818 students whereas Class 12 had 1724 students.

Class 12 Commerce stream had an all-time record this year. Arjun Amit Athalye of Indian School Muscat is the Oman topper with 99.4%; and in the second position is A. Rahul Govindarajan of Indian School Al Ghubra with 98.2%. The Third position is claimed by two students – Liza Andrea D’Sa of Indian School Muscat and Vidushi Jagnani of Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir – both scoring 97.6%.

The Oman toppers in Class 12 Science stream are as follows: Rahul Sriram of Indian School Muscat is the Oman topper with 99.2%; the second position is claimed by two students – Indraneel Singh Solanki (Indian School Muscat) and Anushka Thumiki (Indian School Darsait) – with 99%; and the third position is also claimed by two students – Mohammad Khuroo (Indian School Al Ghubra) and Asfaq Jalal Mohamed Abbas Nisha (Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir) – both scoring 98.8%.

All three positions in the Humanities stream go to the students of Indian School Muscat – Anjali Unnithan (99%), Anushka Saha (98.4%) and Snigdha Suresh (97.8%).

Class X results of Indian Schools have been phenomenal; the toppers in Oman are as follows: In the first position is Krithyaa Vijayanand (Indian School Sohar – 99.6%), and in the second position is Sudiksha Hemant Katkar (Indian School Al Ghubra – 99.4%). The third position is claimed by two students – Aroshish Pradhan of Indian School Al Ghubra and Somya Parida of Indian School Al Seeb – both scoring 99.2%.

Dr. Sivakumar Manickam, Chairman, Board of Directors congratulated the students who have made their alma mater and parents proud with outstanding results. He lauded the unflinching support of schools that have made all efforts to set higher benchmark of success in the Board Exams.

“All stakeholders in education had pulled together to ensure that students learned and graduated despite the challenges of the pandemic. It is the efforts of the teachers in academic adoption and parents with their unstinting support that helped the students perform to their best despite the hurdles of the pandemic,” said Dr. Sivakumar Manickam while congratulating the students and the schools for the stupendous results.

The Indian Schools do not put any restriction on admissions and every child who seeks admission finds a place irrespective of academic performance. In addition to the lessons imparted during school hours, the schools have implemented multiple initiatives, as support mechanism for children. These include Remedial Classes, Virtual Learning Environment, and 24-7-365 Tele-counseling service aimed at ensuring well-being of children.

To commemorate the seventy-fifth year of India’s independence, Indian School Sur, in association with the Board of Directors, Indian schools in Oman, under the theme “Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav” India @ 75 successfully conducted a webinar on entrepreneurship on 22August 2021.

The programme is titled ‘Stride’ and is organized by the Indian School Board aimed at igniting the spark of creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship innate in children and transforms them into competent, enterprising and confident visionaries. The programme was hosted by Indian School Sur.

The chief guest of the programme was Mr Ahmed Tabook, Commercial Director, Free Zones – Salalah, Oman. Mr Tabook mentioned that the students in the modern education system are fortunate to have an education system that prepares them to be entrepreneurs. He reflected that entrepreneurship is not just about starting companies but about business scalability and positively influencing people’s lives.

The event was presided over by Dr Sivakumar Manickam, Chairman, Board of Directors, Indian Schools in Oman. Dr Manickam remarked that schools have rapidly adopted modernization by integrating science, technology and arts. “The recent teaching migration from the classroom to the living room had revolutionized the idea of what schools and teachers can do for society. Despite the pandemic setbacks, the most prominent unicorn startups in the world had experienced a boom in their business,” he said.He also highlighted the importance of inculcating entrepreneurial spirit among students, the future citizens of our country.

The guest of honour Mrs Ashwini Sawrikar, Finance Director, BOD and Director in-charge of Indian School Sur, reiterated that the ethos of ‘Stride’ is stepping up for challenges and displaying the tenacity to continue, turning dreams into reality.

Dr Vinod Shastri, Head of Academics, Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Bennett University, spoke about the necessity of building the right entrepreneurial mindset in making startups naturally happen.

Mr Srinivas Rao, Convener, School Management Committee Indian School Sur, expressed his gratitude to the Board of Directors for facilitating an excellent venture like ‘Stride’.

The programme moderator was Dr Mariam Noronha, Assistant Professor and Coordinator, Startup and Innovation Cell, Ness Wadia College of Commerce, Pune, India. The panel members included seven enterprising entrepreneurs who have scaled great heights in their young age. MsReeya Sharma, founder and CEO of Reeyal, a personal care brand, Mr Hardik Aggarwal,Co-founder and Director Skillarena Technologies, Mr Shrey Tyagi, Co-founder, Skill arena Technologies, Mr Zaid Naim founder and CEO, Jasper Home Fashions, Mr Pradyumn Mane, founder and Chief Inspiration Officer, Physics Mind-boggler, Mr Saksham Misra, founder and CEO of HyperClub and MsAnchal Aggarwal, Co-founder, Explorevio shared their initial struggles and breakthroughs so far in their entrepreneurial journey. Their genuine reflections and comments as endeavouring entrepreneurs have sparked the student’s imagination.

The third edition of ISQUIZ (Indian School Quiz), one of the biggest online Inter-School events conceptualized by the Board of Directors, designed to augment the holistic development programme for the students of all Indian Schools was inaugurated at a ceremonious virtual function organized by Indian School Muscat, the Host School of ISQUIZ 2021, on Saturday, 21st August 2021.

Dr. Sivakumar Manickam, Chairman, Board of Directors, Indian Schools in Oman graced the occasion as the Chief Guest; and Dr. Ram Shankar, Controller of Examinations, Central University of Odisha and Joint Secretary, CBSE was the Special Guest.

The grand inaugural ceremony commenced with a prayer song sung by the school choir. Master Vishwanath Praveen, Assistant Head Boy, Indian School Muscat welcomed the august gathering.

In his introductory message, Mr. Sachin Toprani, President of the Indian School Muscat Management Committee congratulated the team that has worked tirelessly to ensure the seamless conduct of the Quiz at different levels. He lauded Indian School Muscat as the epicenter of academic endeavours and the most happening place leading way to subtlety of perfection. He wished all the brainy warriors the joy of crossing horns of smartness and caliber with each other.

Indian School Board Chairman Dr. Sivakumar Manickam, in his inaugural address, underscored the indispensable role quizzing plays in enhancing the IQ of students. “It is not just the matter of asking questions and providing factual information, but synthesizing knowledge using analytical skills, considering profound nuances of question before answering makes the quiz competition as an enhanced learning activity,” Dr. Manickam said, “By participating in such events, students learn how to collaborate, critically think and better their leadership qualities.”

“ISQUIZ 2021 is made more significant as we are commemorating the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence under the theme ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ complimented by the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharath,” Chairman said.

Dr. Ram Shankar, Controller of Examinations, Central University of Odisha and Joint Secretary, CBSE was the Special Guest at the inaugural function. He lauded the organizing team of ISQUIZ for providing opportunities for students to excel in extra-curricular activities which are essential for developing their social skills. “Participation in co-curricular activities is as important as performing well in academics; both are complementary to each other. The main thrust of the New Education Policy is to raise the standard of school education with the global standard,” Dr. Shankar said.

This 3rd edition of the mega event, ISQUIZ 2021, hosted by Indian School Muscat will be completely virtual at every stage. The event aims at providing an excellent opportunity to students to augment their knowledge, sharpen their quizzing prowess and be engaged prolifically. The much celebrated Quiz Master Mr. Vinay Mudaliar will be at the helm of affairs. The Quiz Master triggered the curiosity of the enthusiastic participants of ISQUIZ 2021 by telling them that they can expect some innovative rounds of quizzing in the Grand Finale.

The title sponsor of the event, Mr. P.B. Saleem, Managing Director, Noor Gazal Foods and Spices congratulated the organizing team of ISQUIZ and said the he was overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of students in participating in the event and wished all of them success.

A video presentation depicting the journey through ISQUIZ and a fusion dance performed by the students of Indian School Muscat added colour to the inaugural ceremony. Assistant Head Girl Eshinka Singh proposed the vote of thanks.
ISQUIZ 2021 has a total number of 6300 registered participants. The battle of brains kick starts with the First Prelim for the Junior Category at 4.30 pm and Senior Category at 5.30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 25, 2021. The qualified teams in the Junior and Senior category will battle it out on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at 4.30 pm and 5.30 pm respectively. The Champions in the Sub-Junior Category will be decided based on their performance on September 01, 2021 at 6 pm.

Brilliant Performers in the Junior and Senior Category on September 02, 2021 at the Mega Prelims will be the ones capturing the lime light at the Grand Finale on September 04, 2021 at 6 p.m. Both the Mega Preliminary round and the Grand Finale will be aired on Zoom and broadcast live on YouTube.

The Indian diaspora in Oman witnessed a ceremoniously solemn event that launched ‘AzadiKaAmritMahotsav’ – India@75 Celebrations, a virtually synchronized programme organized by the Board of Directors under the aegis of the Embassy of India on Thursday, 12th August 2021.

Mr. Syed Salman, Vice Chairman of the Indian School Board and Head of India@75 Celebrations Committee, welcomed the dignitaries and all invitees and set the tone for the programme by rekindling the patriotic fervour with his felicity of expression. “Celebrating India’s Independence is an occasion for the Indians living on foreign soil to reconnect with the culture and heritage of their motherland, and simultaneously connect other nationals with India,” Mr. Salman said highlighting the concept of ‘VasudhaivaKutumbakam’ which means ‘the whole world is one family’.

Dr. Sivakumar Manickam, Chairman of the Indian School Board who was the Guest of Honour for the evening recalled the phenomenal progress India has achieved.“As we are celebrating the 75th Anniversary of our Nation’s Independence, we need to appreciate the phenomenal achievements our nation can be proud of; and how as Indians we should hold our head high as true citizens of this great nation,” said Dr. Manickam.

Chairman exhorted the audience to “rededicate, reorient, refocus our commitment to serve our Motherland and see her becoming the most sought after country in the world. As we are launching the India@75 celebrations, it is an apt occasion to salute the freedom fighters and follow the Gandhian principles.”

His Excellency Shri Munu Mahawar, Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In his inaugural address, H.E. the Ambassador extended greetings to His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik and the Government and people of Oman for the continued peace, progress and prosperity of this beautiful land. His Excellency greeted all members of the Indian community on the occasion of the 75th Independence Day of India. “It is an important milestone in the journey of our beloved nation. I am sure all students and faculty members of Indian Schools will participate enthusiastically in all the events scheduled to celebrate AzadiKaAmritMahotsav,” he said.

His Excellency released the tagline ‘My India, My Pride’ and an e-book containing 75 art forms of India, “The e-book containing 75 shades of Indian Art tells the story of rich civilization and culture that India is known for. Every child whose artwork finds a place in this book is an ambassador of our rich culture and traditions,” His Excellency remarked.

A number of activities have been planned to make ‘AzadiKaAmritMahotsav’ – Indian@75 Celebrations meaningful for the students as well as the members of the Indian community in Oman. Mr. Anuj Swarup, Second Secretary – Embassy of India listed out a few of the programmes during his address.

“The Board has already floated a Logo Design Contest to commemorate the momentous occasion. Besides, all programmes organized both in School and Board level will incorporate themes pertaining to ‘India@75’. Socially impactful activities such as blood donation, beach cleaning drive and tree plantation in addition to organizing 75 edutainment programmes by all 21 Indian Schools in Oman will be a fitting tribute to our Motherland,” Mr. Swarup said.

Mr. SachinToprani, President of the Indian School Muscat Managing Committee, thanked Chief Guest His Excellency Shri MunuMahawar for patronizing the event, Chairman Dr. Sivakumar Manickam for his able guidance, members of the India@75 celebrations committee for their concerted efforts, Principal and the staff in charge of the Launch event for the seamless coordination of the event.

The evening’s programme was embellished with programmes depicting the cultural diversity of India. The digital display of a kaleidoscopic view of India’s achievements during the last 75 years won the adulation of the audience. The medley of folk songs and dances performed by the students of Indian School Muscat enthralled the audience and revived the rich culture and civilization of India.

With a view to igniting the spark of creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship innate in children and transform them into competent, enterprising and confident visionaries, the Board of Directors of Indian Schools has initiated Entrepreneurship Club activities in Schools.

The Entrepreneurship Club of Indian Schools is rightly called ‘Stride’ qualifying the most salient characteristic of an entrepreneur – referring to the decisive step taken in one focused direction taken with undivided attention and undying grit and determination.

‘Motivational talks’ by successful entrepreneurs is one of the programmes initiated by the Board for the students who are aspiring to be entrepreneurs in future. In this regard, Mr. Gaurav Nahar, Founder and CEO of Akeed Oman spoke to the students on 7th June 2021. The programme was hosted by Indian School Muladha.

Mr. Gaurav Nahar is an alumnus of Indian School Muscat (2004 Class XII batch). Today, he is a successful entrepreneur steering Akeed Oman, Oman’s first locally grown venture that provides on-demand services for restaurants, grocery, and other stores through a mobile application.