Thursday 12 / December / 2024
Muscat: On November 28, 2024, Indian School Muscat (ISM) celebrated its 49th Annual Day with grandeur and enthusiasm at the school’s New Multi-Purpose Hall. The event was a vibrant showcase of cultural diversity, emotions, and a testament to the school’s achievements over the past year. As ISM embarks on its milestone 50th year, this Annual Day not only commemorated the successes of the past but also set the stage for exciting future endeavors, reflecting the school’s enduring commitment to fostering academic excellence and holistic development in its students.
A distinguished gathering that included the Chief Guest Dr. Khadija Ali Mohammed Al Salami, Director General of Private Schools, Ministry of Education, Sultanate of Oman, Guest of Honour, Dr. Sivakumar Manickam, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Indian Schools in Oman, Mr. Mohamed Salim Habib Al Hamadani, Foreign Schools Specialist, along with Mr. Syed Salman, Vice Chairman, Mr. Nidheesh Kumar, Finance Director, Mr. Vinobha M.P. Education Advisor and Senior Principal and other esteemed directors of the Board of Directors of Indian Schools in Oman, Vice President of the Indian School Muscat Management Committee Mr. Sherry Johnny, Convenor, Treasurer, Co-Convenor, and all other distinguished members of the Indian School Muscat Management Committee and a host of other dignitaries, parents, grandparents, students and special guests formed the audience and graced the occasion.
The atmosphere was electric with excitement as Principal Mr. Rakesh Joshi, Senior Vice-Principal (Administration), Vice-Principals, Assistant Vice-Principals of various sections, Heads of Departments, teachers, student council members, and students rounded up to host the mega event.
The event began with the national anthems of India and Oman, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. The highlight of the celebration was the Invocation Dance, a graceful tribute that beautifully expressed reverence and prayer for peace, prosperity, and harmony. Nihal Bhatt, Head Boy of the Senior Section, welcomed the guests, setting a warm and inviting tone for the evening.
In a significant moment as part of the much-anticipated Golden Jubilee festivities, the school proudly unveiled banners that symbolise the collective spirit, diligence, and unity of the Indian School Muscat community. This occasion underscored the shared legacy and passion that propels the school forward.
Principal Mr. Rakesh Joshi presented a comprehensive report, highlighting a year filled with remarkable activities, events, and accolades.
The audience was taken on a journey through the school’s numerous accomplishments, showcasing the dedication and hard work of students, staff, and the broader ISM community.
A significant segment of the evening involved honoring the dedicated contributions of the teaching and non-teaching staff. The Guest of Honour, Dr. Sivakumar Manickam, was invited to present awards to those who had completed noteworthy years of service. This was followed by the thought provoking words of the Guest of Honour who first congratulated Indian School Muscat on completing fifty years of redefining benchmarking in the field of education. He emphasized the rapid advancements in the area of artificial intelligence where there is an entire shift in the landscape creating different level playing fields. He reiterated that by leveraging AI, students can access vast resources and personalized learning experiences, enhancing their understanding and skill sets, regardless of their background.
The Chief Guest, Dr. Khadija Ali Mohammed Al Salami, Director General of Private Schools, Ministry of Education, Sultanate of Oman felicitated the teaching and non- teaching staff with long service awards for their long and exemplary service to the institution. The atmosphere was filled with pride and celebration as the outstanding achievements of the students at the CBSE National Athletic Meet and Chess Championships, 2024 were acknowledged. Each medalist received a warm round of applause as they were felicitated. The coaches, who played an essential role in guiding and mentoring these young athletes, were also honored for their unwavering support and commitment to excellence.
The toppers of the CBSE Gulf Sahodaya Oman Chapter of Classes X and XII were also felicitated for their incredible performance in the CBSE Examination, 2024.
The school also acknowledged and honoured the invaluable contributions of the former SMC members, Mr. Ghulam Hussain Khan, former Vice President and Mr. Shabab Bava, former Chair Co-curricular Sub Committee of the Indian School Muscat Management Committee. As a heartfelt token of appreciation, paintings prepared by the students of the Fine Arts Department were presented to the Chief Guest and the Guest of Honour.
ISM marked a significant milestone in its illustrious journey by celebrating its 50th anniversary with a spectacular program titled “ISM - A Saga: Weaving the Future.” The event showcased a rich tapestry of cultural performances, reflecting the school’s legacy and commitment to quality education.
The evening of celebration kicked off spectacularly with an energetic “Golden Grooves” medley dance performed by the enthusiastic pre-primary students. Their colourful outfits and spirited movements captivated the audience, setting a vibrant tone for the festivities ahead. This was followed by the heartfelt song “Dream If Possible,” reflecting the school’s dedication to empowering students to reach their full potential.
The audience was then taken on a nostalgic journey with a shadow play, “A Vision Unfolds,” illustrating ISM’s founding in 1975 and celebrating its rich heritage and growth over the decades. The segment “Unity in Diversity” showcased the school’s multicultural ethos with a melodious performance in six languages, complemented by a folk dance honoring the cultural traditions of India and Oman.
Other highlights included a tableau on “Embracing Change,” focusing on innovation and sustainability, and a mime performance underscoring the importance of inclusive education. A digital presentation featuring photographs took center stage, inviting everyone to embark on a nostalgic journey through the rich history of Indian School Muscat. As the lights dimmed, the screen illuminated with images that chronicled the school’s evolution. This was followed by a dynamic dance fusion representing the school’s bright future.
A presentation recapitulating the Golden Jubilee Celebrations, showcased the precision, skill, and spirit that enriched the year-long festivities. The events included the electrifying Wow Fun, the nostalgic Reliving Moments, vibrant Radiant Rhythms, enchanting Curtain Tales, insightful ISM Talks, and the celebrated exhibition Kaleidoscope.
The night concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Head Girl Gayathri Amarkumar, followed by the school anthem, leaving a lasting impression of unity, joy, and celebration among all participants. Overall, the 49th Annual Day at ISM was a spectacular reflection of the school’s values, bringing together the community in a shared mission for excellence and harmony.
