Indian School Al Maabela, under the aegis of the Board of Directors, Indian Schools in Oman, organized the FOURTH EDITION OF ISQUIZ 2022, an Inter School Mega Quiz for all the Indian and International schools across the Sultanate of Oman on 8 December 2022.

The Quiz Competition was conducted in four stages, the two qualifying prelims, followed by the Mega Prelims and the Grand Finals. Daily Quizzes were conducted for the students to pitch their talents with their peers across the Sultanate. It was a tough fight among the students with around 10,000 participants.

Al Sheikh Tariq Bin Khalid Bin Al – Waleed Al – Hinai, Deputy Wali of Seeb, Muscat Governorate, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The event was presided over by Dr. Sivakumar Manickam, Chairman, Board of Directors of Indian Schools, Sultanate of Oman. Dr. Baby Sam Saamuel, former Chairman, Mr. Sirajudeen Nhelat, Academic Chairperson, Mr. Devsing Patil, Director on the Board, Mr. M.P. Vinoba, Senior Principal and Education Advisor, President Mr Sujithkumar S. and other esteemed members of the Indian School Al Maabela Management Committee and Principals of other Indian Schools in the capital area were present for the event. All the Indian and International schools’ dignitaries, teachers, parents, well-wishers and students witnessed and encouraged the finalists.

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.

Mr. Sujithkumar S., President, Indian School Al Maabela Management Committee underscored the importance of the quiz programme in his felicitation address. He said that quiz programmes would provide an opportunity for the students to augment their knowledge, sharpen their quizzing prowess and exhibit their intelligence and brilliance to the core.

Quiz Master Mr. Adittya Nath Mubayi, knowledge entrepreneur, and co-founder of Quiz Craft Global, made the participants have a wild guess and crave hard to crack the quizzes. He kept the audience attentive with his unique quizzing skills and set all the young quizzers’ brains on fire.

ISQUIZ 2022, the phenomenal mega event culminated with the prize distribution ceremony for the unbeatable quizzers and the winning teams.

In the Junior Category, Miss Zaina Fathima and Master Aditya Verma of Indian School Salalah won the coveted ISQUIZ Ever-rolling Trophy, Master Arnav Jaykrishnan and Master Hrithika Deepesh Jariwala of ISWK International secured the first runner-up position while Master Ashwin Sujesh and Master Kevin Rodrigues of Indian School Muscat emerged as the second runner-up.

In the Senior Category, Master Varun S Nair and Miss Geet Patil of Indian School Darsait clinched the ISQUIZ Ever-rolling Trophy, Master Kevin George and Master Hussain Suratwala, students of Indian School Muscat secured the first runner-up slot while Master Sabyasachi Choudhury and Master Alwin Jose of Indian school Al Ghubra bagged the second runner-up position.

Winners of the Daily Quiz and Sub-Junior Category from each school were also awarded with certificates and trophies. As part of ‘Navin Asher Kazi Awards for Excellence in Teaching 2022’, a quiz competition for teachers was conducted on the Grand Finale day of ISQUIZ 2022. Ms. Jyoti Singh and Mr. Pranav D. Sheth of Indian of School Al Wadi Al Kabir bagged the first position.

Indian School Al Maabela Principal, Mr P Prabakaran conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to the Chief Guest, and all the dignitaries for gracing the occasion. He thanked the Board for conceptualizing the ISQUIZ, the entire ISQUIZ team for the smooth conduct of the event and the sponsors for their relentless support.

Indian School Salalah was the proud winners of the fourth edition of Indian Schools Talent Fest (ISTF 2022), a mega cultural extravaganza organized by Indian School Al Seeb under the aegis of the Board of Directors, Indian Schools Oman on 28th & 29th October 2022.

The event was instrumental in bringing together nearly 2000 students from 21 Indian Schools across the Sultanate who matched their talents in music, art, dance, literature and theatre with the best of their counterparts.
Indian School Salalah, the champions of ISTF 2022, was thrilled to lift the Trophy and dedicated their victory to the hard work and commitment of each and everyone in the team. Indian School Al Seeb was declared the Runner-up of the event.

ISTF 2022 was inaugurated by Honorable Lujaina Mohsin Darwish, Chairperson – Infrastructure, Technology, Industrial and Consumer Solutions, Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC and Oman State Council Member on Friday, 28th October 2022. Honorable Lujaina motivated the students with her inspirational speech drawing examples from her own life.
Dr. Sivakumar Manickam, Chairman, Board of Directors, Indian Schools Oman presided over the inaugural function. “Indian School Talent Fest is a great platform for collaborative learning – the innovative and creative events which are included will pose a challenging opportunity for our students to test their learning skills, literacy skills and life skills. Moving out from the conventional practices, all events are designed to enhance collaboration rather than competition,” Dr. Manickam said.

President of the School Management Committee Mr. R. Ranjith Kumar expressed the significance of ISTF for the all-round development of students. He said the School was privileged to host the event this year as it is celebrating 20th anniversary of its existence.

The flag bearers representing each school arrayed themselves on the stage and the ISTF flag was unfurled by the Chief Guest signifying the formal inauguration of the mega event. The ISTF mascot was Ai-Da, the world’s first ultra-realistic artist robot. The appearance of Ai-Da on stage was received well with a thunderous applause.

The two-day Talent Fest was concluded with a colourful valedictory function held on 29th October 2022 which was graced by Mr. Mohammed Salim Al-Abri, Senior Studies and Follow-up Specialist, Directorate General of Education, Batinah South Governorate as the Chief Guest.

The valedictory function was presided over by Mr. Syed Salman, Vice Chairman, Board of Directors, Indian Schools Oman. The programme was graced by Mr. Gajesh Kumar Dhariwal, Director in Charge of Indian School Al Seeb, Mr. Vinoba M.P., Senior Principal and Education Advisor, President Mr. R. Ranjith Kumar and other esteemed members of the School Management Committee, Principals, teachers and the most enthusiastic participants of the Talent Fest.

“The best strategy to teach students personality-related abilities is to motivate them to take part in cultural events such as music, dancing, and other activities. They help students build confidence and better understand their culture,” said Vice Chairman Mr. Syed Salman who presided over the valedictory function.

Dr. Leena Francis, Principal of Indian School Al Seeb, presented an overview of the two-day event. The Principal underscored the creativity, diversity and ingenuity of the events that made ISTF 2022 a unique programme for the holistic development of the students.

The cultural event and the selected performances from the unique talents of students enthralled the audience. The programme came to an end when the Host School Principal Dr. Leena Francis handed over the ISTF flag to Mr. Syed Salman, Vice Chairman of the Indian School Board.

The songs presented by the School Choir and the cultural programmes put up by the students of Indian School Al Seeb for the inaugural and valedictory functions captivated the audience.

The organizing team of ISTF 2022 consisting of Mrs. Dhanya Sunil as the main coordinator and a team of dedicated and committed staff of Indian School Al Seeb under the able guidance of the Management Committee and Principal Dr. Leena Francis was appreciated for their tireless efforts to make the event a memorable one for all the participating students.

AVENIR 2022 # DISCOVERYOU is a Global Career Guidance Event, hosted by Indian School Bousher under the aegis of the Board of Directors, Indian Schools Oman, is ready for an exciting and vibrant Inaugural Ceremony on the 13th of October, 2022. Dr. Nutayla Al Harthy, Dean, Oman Dental College Muscat will inaugurate the event.

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 fulfill their professional aspirations and thus help them take a leap through their career”, said Dr Sivakumar Manickam by highlighting the objectives of the event.

Avenir 2022 is a six-day event with enriching sessions for students and parents across the globe. Besides the students from Indian schools in Oman, Avenir 2022 is noted for the participation of students from other school boards namely ICSE, IGCSE and IB. Attendees will get a chance 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. It is centered on the needs, aspirations, and anxieties of young people. Instead of focusing on the young transforming the world, the focus under this lens would be on helping them reflect on how the world is changing them.

So the theme for AVENIR 2022 is to DISCOVER YOURSELF #DISCOVERYOU and find your potential among a plethora of categories like Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional.

Avenir 2022 #DISCOVERYOU, a six-day Global Career Guidance Event, will be organised by Indian School Bousher under the aegis of the Board of Directors, Indian Schools in Oman, from the 13th of October to the 18th of October, 2022. The launching ceremony of the event was held on 13th September, 2022 at Indian School Bousher.

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.

The most awaited moment was the “Launching of Avenir 2022 #DiscoverYou” which was launched by the Chief Guest, Mr. Al Azhar Saud Al Salmi by clicking the launch pad and unveiling the Avenir Logo.

A warm heartfelt welcome was cordially extended by Dr. Anchan C.K., Vice President of the ISB School Management Committee. He appreciated the presence of the Chief Guest Mr. Al Azhar Saud Al Salmi, Assistant Director, International Schools Office, Ministry of Education, Sultanate, the valued dignitaries, invitees and fraternities of all schools across the globe and set the stage for the launch of Avenir 2022 #DISCOVERYOU.

Dr. Sivakumar Manickam enriched the gathering with his address on the various initiatives taken by the BOD for the benefit of students and the importance of Career Counselling. “Avenir is a great platform for the students to know the umpteen opportunities that the future has to offer. Once the discernment is made, work consistently with perseverance – nothing can stop your determination to achieve what you wish for your future” the Chairman exhorted the students.

Mr. Bhavesh Bhalerao, Principal, Indian School Bousher presented the salient features of Avenir 2022 like the availability of new Avenir app, helpline number and the psychometric test for students.

In her felicitation address, Ms. Ashwini Sawarikar, Finance Director, Board of Directors of Indian School, Oman and Director In Charge, Indian School Bousher shared relevant career-oriented information like how career counselling has expanded its length and breadth and how Avenir 2022 can help students to make informed decisions about their careers, leading to greater satisfaction and success. Mr. Sirajudeen Nhelat, Academic Chair, BOD motivated the students to make best use of the Avenir platform and hone their competencies for a bright and successful future.

The fusion dance performance that came up next transformed the stage into a visually appealing setup. The impressive choreography and graceful movement of the performers drew thunderous applause from the spectators.
Gratitude was due for all who were part of the launching ceremony and Dr. Chandan K. Jaisimha Chairperson, Co-curricular and Cultural Sub Committee, School Management Committee, did the honours of proposing the vote of thanks.

Avenir 2022 #DISCOVERYOU will be an amalgamation of talks, workshops, inspirational addresses and a vibrant forum with easy access to vital comprehensive details pertaining to choices to be made for securing a sound professional future.

A week-long glory and pomp in Science Technology and Innovation (STAI) under the aegis of the Board of Directors of Indian Schools in Oman, came to a splendiferous close on 3rd September 2022 with the Valedictory Function held at Indian School Darsait.

The Chief Guest on the occasion was Dr. Moosa Al Kindi, Dean, Modern College of Business and Science while Enr. Fahad Juma Al Gahbshi, Director, Technical Affairs, Muscat Municipality, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour and the Special Guest of the day was Mr. Younis Sakhi Al Balushi, Member, Tourism Committee, Oman, Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The event was presided by Dr. Sivakumar Manickam, Chairman, BoD, Indian Schools in Oman.

Among the other dignitaries who attended the event were Mr. Syed Salman, Vice Chairman BoD, Mr. Sirajuddin Nhelat and Mr. Gajesh Dhariwal, Directors in Charge, Indian School Darsait, Presidents and Members of School Management Committee from the Indian Schools in Oman, Mr. M P Vinoba, Senior Principal and Education Advisor, BoD, Mr. Ajit Vasudevan, Chairperson, STAI 2022, Principals of Indian Schools in Oman, Sponsors, Teachers , Parents and participants.

Earlier the event was inaugurated on 27th August 2022 and various competitions were conducted namely, Mobile Application, Digital Symposium-Artificial Intelligence: Past, Present and Future. The Valedictory Function began with the rendition of Royal Anthem of Oman followed by the National Anthem of India as a befitting tribute to the two great nations. The lighting of the ceremonial lamp and invoking the blessing of the Almighty provided the right ambience to the function.

The main objective of STAI was to bring out the innovative thoughts and ideas created in young minds with a platform to explore and excavate the creative thoughts. Opportunities were given to students of Indian Schools across the Sultanate of Oman to showcase their innovations.

Bhavika Biju, Head Girl extended a cordial welcome to the Chief Guest, dignitaries and to the general audience. Dr. Sivakumar Manickam, Chairman, BoD in his presidential address said, “Science inculcates lifelong skills in students’ that allow them to generate ideas, make decisions intelligently, teach technological literacy and provide skills related to critical thinking and problem solving through science education.” He added that programs like STAI instincts a scientific temperament in our students, where they as future leaders respond positively to the change. Further, he congratulated team ISD for successfully completing STAI 2022 which provided a great platform for students of Indian Schools in Oman to express their inquisitive minds.

Dr. Moosa Al Kindi, Chief Guest, while delivering his speech conveyed the message that STAI 2022 was a well-organized and well guided event. He added that, it provided the platform to showcase the students’ innovative ideas furthermore, building their confidence and encouraging them throughout. He further said, “In this century the students are expected to think creatively, work cooperatively, make judgements wisely and communicate clearly. He also added that this is a great opportunity for the competing teams to enhance their skills. Indian School Darsait under the aegis of BoD has given a forum to understand and recognize young aspiring scientists, make them take pride in their achievements and celebrate the victory of this mega event”.

18 schools participated in STAI 2022. Students were given the opportunity of participating in seven events to exhibit their best. The Chief Guest felicitated the A+ winners. A+ Winners were from Indian School Al Ghubra for Code Wars, Indian School Darsait and Indian School Al Seeb for Mobile App Development and Digital Symposium, Indian School Darsait for Science Skit while Indian School Darsait and Indian School Sohar shared the A+ winners for Science e-Magazine. The Chairman BoD felicitated the A+ winners for the Science and Maths Exhibition. For the Mathematics exhibition, the A+ winners were Indian School Al Seeb and Indian School Salalah, whereas in Science Exhibition the winners were Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir, Indian School Darsait, Indian School Ibra and Indian School Muladha.

As a preview to the STAI 2022 souvenir, a handbook was released by the Chief Guest while the Chairman BoD and the STAI Chairperson joined the Chief Guest for the release.

As a mark of honour and gratitude, the Chief Guest was felicitated by the Chairman BoD and STAI Chairperson felicitated the Chairman BoD .

‘Glimpses of STAI 2022’ was indeed an enthralling show revealing the details of online and offline competitions. Earlier, the day began with Science and Mathematics Exhibitions where the students proved their caliber and mettle through projects, models from low cost to eco-friendly products. A ‘classicofolk’ was performed as part of the culmination event.

The Guest of Honour ENR. Fahad Juma Al Ghabshi and Mr. Gajesh Dhariwal, DIC, ISD honoured the participating schools. As a mark of respect the Guest of Honour was felicitated by Mr. Gajesh Dhariwal and Mr. Ajit Vasudevan felicitated Mr. Gajesh Dhariwal.

The panel of elite judges were also felicitated on this momentous occasion by the Special Guest and Mr. Sirajudheen Nhelat. As a token of our appreciation the Special Guest was felicitated by Mr. Sirajudeen Nhelat while Mr. Ajit Vasudevan felicitated the Special Guest.

Elizabeth Gigi, General Prefect, Student Council proposed the Vote of Thanks sharing her profuse gratitude and appreciation to every noble heart especially the dignitaries, sponsors, staff, students and parents in making the event a grand success. The zestful valedictory function came to an end with the School Anthem.

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.

The Annual Inter-School English Debate competition – The Ambassador’s Polemic Challenge- was organised this year by Indian School Al Ghubra on Tuesday, 30th August 2022. Thirty-two participants from sixteen Indian schools battled it out for the much coveted Rolling Trophy which was clinched by the team from Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir. The Chief Guest for the occasion was His Excellency Shri Amit Narang, the Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman. Chairman Dr Sivakumar Manickam, Finance Director Mrs. Ashwini Sawrikar, Education Advisor Mr Vinoba M. P. and Mr Ahmed Rayees, the President of the School Management Committee, Indian School Al Ghubra, were among the dignitaries who graced the occasion.

During the debate, the participants put forth convincing arguments to support or oppose the motion ‘Social Media has brought people closer than ever before’. The competition was adjudged by Mr. Donald Pinto, Senior Manager, Corporate Services, Oman Data Park; Ms. Runita Marwa, Assistant Professor, CBFS, Muscat, and Ms. Tamanna Abdul Rahman Dalwai, Assistant Professor and Deputy Director of Quality Assurance, Muscat College.

The Best Team which won the Ambassador’s Rolling Trophy comprised Khushi Derai and Pavan Sundar of Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir.

The Best Speaker – First Position was awarded to Ruthik Maruti Kambali of Indian School Salalah.

Khushi Derai of Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir was declared the Best Speaker – Second Position.
Sweta Mishra of Indian School Muscat won the Consolation Prize.

The Prize for the Best Rebuttal was shared by Pavan Sundar of Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir and Kareena Karnani of Indian School Sur.

In his address, His Excellency Shri Amit Narang elaborated on the term ‘Polemic’ and added that the need of today’s world, a world that is defined by social media , is for our own public debate to be less underpinned by polemic attacks and more driven by the spirit of constructive dialogue. His Excellency also observed that though initially the topic appeared straightforward, yet the arguments of the debaters did indeed present two points of view.

The event was 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.

Under the aegis of the Board of Directors, Indian Schools in Oman, the inauguration of Science Technology and Innovation in Education (STAI) was conducted on 27th August 2022 at the Senior School auditorium, Indian School Darsait. The event was aimed at showcasing the talents of young minds in the areas of Science, Technology and Innovation under the tag line “Ingenious Creative mind”.

The Chief Guest Dr. Ali Saud Al Bimani, Vice-Chancellor, National University of Science & Technology inaugurated the STAI 2022 and expressed his views with his key profound thoughts on how ‘out of the box ’thinking results in creativity. Mr. Mohammad Al Adavi, Director of the clubs and Sports Center Department graced the occasion as Guest of Honour and Dr. Sivakumar Manickam, Chairman, BoD, Indian Schools in Oman presided over the function.

Among the other dignitaries present on this occasion were, Mr. Sayed Salman, Vice Chairman, Board of Directors, Mrs. Ashwini Sawrikar, Finance Director, Mr. Sebastian Chungath, President, School Management Committee, Indian School Darsait, Mr. M P Vinoba, Sr. Principal and Education Advisor (BoD), Dr. Gokuladas VK, Asst. Education Advisor (Operations, BoD), STAI Chairperson- Mr. Ajit Vasudevan, Convener and Head Academic and Staff Welfare & Grievances Subcommittees, Indian School Darsait and members of the School Management Committee.

The event began with a tribute to India and the Sultanate of Oman, the Royal Anthem of Oman, followed by the school choir singing the National Anthem of India. The Function was inaugurated by lighting a ceremonial lamp and the school choir rendering a devotional song, to invoke the blessing of the almighty.

The formal proceedings of the event continued to unfold, with the welcome address by Mr. Ajit Vasudevan, Chairperson STAI 2022, who in his address, motivated the participants and shared his views on the various fields of science and technology and extended an official welcome to the esteemed dignitaries.

Dr. Sivakumar Manickam Chairman, Board of Directors, Indian Schools in Oman in his address shared majorly the role of technology in education. “Innovations have always been cornerstones of our growth. They are dominant forces in modern society that ultimately lead to overall development. STAI 2022 provides such a platform for students to use their scientific knowledge and bring the best invention from their brains. Apart from allowing students to work together in groups and learning from each other, sharing their ideas and collectively galvanizing those ideas to bring something innovative”, Chairman said.

The keynote Address was delivered by Mrs. Subhra Priyadarshini Chief Editor of Nature India, Springer Nature who joined the event online. Her speech included valuable and excellent views on how remarkable things could be achieved with keen sense of observation and learning from numerous things in nature. She also mentioned about students’ choice of opting careers as science journalists and communicators. The speech consisted of invaluable information that kept the audience engrossed and interested.

The Chief Guest, Dr. Ali Saud Al Bimani and the Guest of Honour Mr. Mohammad Al Adavi were felicitated with mementos by Dr. Sivakumar Manickam, Chairman, Board of Directors, Indian Schools in Oman and Mr. Sebastian Chungath, President, School Management Committee.

A short video on the highlights of STAI 2022 was presented revealing the details from online competitions held from 24th August to 26th August 2022 which was followed by a semi classical dance performance given by ISD students.
The vote of thanks was proposed by the Principal Mr. Amar Srivastava, who generously expressed his gratitude and appreciation to all the dignitaries for having spent their valuable time for the event, the participants were recognized and acknowledged for their effort and participation. Staff and the core team of STAI 2022 were also given due appreciation for the relentless support rendered throughout the event.

The inaugural function was followed by a spirited and spectacular competition in digital symposium – Artificial Intelligence: Past, Present & Future. As many as 15 teams competed neck and neck transporting the audience to new avenues of possibilities in Artificial Intelligence.

The prestigious ‘Navin Asher-Kazi Awards for Excellence in Teaching’ instituted by the Board of Directors of Indian Schools in Oman,were conferred on ten teachers from Indian Schools in the Sultanate of Oman at a ceremonious function organized on 28th May 2022 at Indian School Al Seeb.

His Excellency Shri Amit Narang, Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Ms. Shununa Salim Alhabsi, Assistant Director General for Special Education, Ministry of Education was the Guest of Honour. Dr. Sivakumar Manickam, Chairman, Board of Directors, Indian Schools in Oman presided over the function.

Dr. MahaKobeil, Dean and CEO of Majan University College, Muscat, delivered the keynote address. The function was attended by Mr. Kiran Asher and family, the patrons of the Award; Members of the Board of Directors, Presidents, Principals and the award nominees of Indian Schools.

In the introductory address Dr. Sivakumar Manickam, Chairman, Board of Directors – Indian Schools in Oman, highlighted the relevance of teachers made more visible by the pandemic, stressed the significant role teachers play in the lives of students. Dr. Manickam announced the Board’s plan to institute school-wise awards in addition to the existing Awards for Excellence to motivate and encourage more participation of the teachers.

Navin Asher Kazi Award for Excellence in Teaching was conferred on ten teachers by the Chief Guest H.E. Shri Amit Narang and the Guest of Honour Ms. Shununa Salim Alhabsi, Assistant Director General for Special Education in the Ministry of Education.

The teachers who won this prestigious award in different categories are Mrs. Manjubashini Saiprasanna (Indian School Al Maabela) and Mrs. Rejani Baiju (Indian School Nizwa) in the Kindergarten category;Mrs. M. Dhanya and Mrs. Neethu Chandran from Indian School Al Maabelain the Primary School Category; Mrs. Abida Akthar and Mrs. Anu B. Mathew from Indian School Muscat in the Middle School Category;Mr. C.P. Sudheer (Indian School Al Maabela) and Dr. N. Sujatha (Indian School Sur) in the Senior School Category; Mr. Vijayarajakumar (Indian School Muscat) and Mr. Afzalkhan Sherkhan (Indian School Al Ghubra) in the Co-scholastic Category.

In addition to the above, eighteen teachers in different categories were given Certificates of Recognition for their outstanding contribution in the field of education. The awards were given away by Mr. Sirajudeen Nhelat, Academic Chair, Indian School Board and Ms. Jesal Asher, Executive Director, Al Ansari Group of Companies.

His Excellency the Ambassador felicitated Mrs. Santhy Krishnan in recognition of her long service as the Headmistress of Indian School Masirah. His Excellency also felicitated CBSE Best Teacher Awardee Mr. Vikram Singh Yaduvanshi of Indian School Muscat on the occasion.

Vice Chairman Mr. Syed Salman and Finance Director Mrs. Ashwini Sawrikar honoured teachers who obtained ‘Meritorious Achievements’ in the last academic year. Two teachers who qualified for this unique award are Mrs. SanchitaVerma (Principal, Indian School Sohar) and Dr. Bindhu Murukesan (Indian School Darsait).

Teachers who secured different positions in the competition organized as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav were also felicitated on the occasion.They include Mrs. Sreevidya S. (Indian School Salalah), Mrs. Sandhini Dinesh (Indian School Bousher), Mrs. Prisca Helen P., Mrs. RenyBijosh, Mrs. Aswathi Sanju Chandran and Mrs. Jayashree T.S. (Indian School Al Maabela)

The cultural programme put up on the occasion by the students of Indian School Al Seeb brought out the theme of positive influence of teachers on students at different levels.Mr. Renjith Kumar, the President of the School Management Committee proposed the vote of thanks.

‘Synergy’, an annual event conducted by the Indian School Board for interacting with the members of the School Management Committees of Indian Schools across the Sultanate in order to underscore their concerted commitment in serving community through the education of the young.

The programme is being organized as part of the induction of the new members of the Management Committees of different Indian Schools. The ideas transpired on the occasion would acquaint the newly inducted members with their roles and responsibilities and enable them to be effective social leaders in the cause of education. As for the existing members, ‘Synergy’ would give them an opportunity to rededicate themselves in their commitment to the voluntary service in the over-all development of the schools.

‘Synergy 2022’ was inaugurated by Chairman Dr. Sivakumar Manickam in the presence of Vice ChairmanMr. Syed Salman, Finance Director Mrs. Ashwini Sawrikar and the other esteemed members on the Board.

The Board has also launched an ‘Integrated Recruitment Portal for Indian Schools’ which is expected to streamline and facilitate staff recruitment processes in schools.

The Chairman applauded the phenomenal growth of Indian Schooling system in Oman and thanked the yeomen services rendered by the Management Committees of the past and the present.

“The journey that began 47 years ago with 135 students and 7 teachers in a rented building has grown from strength to strength and today we have 21 Schools across the Sultanate with 40000 students and 2000 staff, the largest community school network with unique features that stand as a model to educationists around the world”, recalled Dr. Manickam.
The Directors on the Board presented insights on the various aspects of School Management which would enable all the participants to work as a team for the holistic enhancement of the Indian Schooling System.

Mr. Syed Salman, Vice Chairman of Indian School Board, enumerated the growth of Indian Schools over the years and envisioned the way forward with a single objective of value based education of the young. Mrs. Ashwini Sawrikar, the Finance Director of the Board, presented valuable information on judicious management of finances of the Schools.
Mr. Anuj Swarup, Second Secretary at the Embassy of India who is also a member on the Board of Directors, gave his perception of Indian Schooling system from a diplomat’s point of view. Mr. Sirajudeen Nhelat, the Academic Chair on the Board, has described how Indian Schools cater to the 21st century skills required for the holistic development of students by the different activities and initiatives of the Board.

Mr. Harshendu Shah, a senior member on the Board,enlightened the attendees with the rich legacy of Indian Schools in Oman and enlisted the contribution the management committee members of the past. Mr. Gajesh Dhariwal, Head of the Grievance Committee in the Board, explained the different levels of addressing the grievances of the employees.
Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) is an indispensable part of any organization, particularly in educational institutions. The importance of maintaining a foolproof HSE was underscored by Mr. DevsingPatil, the Head of HSE sub-committee on the Board.

Insights on ‘Impact of VAT on Indian Schooling System’ was given by Mr. Alkesh Joshi, President of Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir. Mr. SachinToprani, President of Indian School Muscat Management Committee, discussed the influence of Information Technology in the Education System.

Highlighting the roles and responsibilities of the Management Committee in the effective running of Schools, Mr. Vinoba M.P., Senior Principal and Education Advisor to the Board of Directors, spoke on the relationship between SMC and school administration.

School Management Committees through their selfless service to the society not only ensure the sustainability of Indian Schools in Oman, but also sowthe seeds of comradeship and empathy in the minds of generations to come through their kind association in the community development activities.