MUSCAT: Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir (ISWK) celebrated its 33r d Founders’ Day at the school’s
Primary Wing premises on Wednesday, 14 t h December 2022. The theme of this year’s
Founder’s Day was ‘The Arabian Nights’ – a collection of Middle Eastern folk tales compiled
in Arabic. ISWK was honoured to have the presence of His Excellency Pankaj Khimji, Advisor
for Foreign Trade and International Cooperation with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry
and Investment Promotion, as the Chief Guest on the momentous occasion.

His Excellency Pankaj Khimji is also the Chairman of the Oman Cricket Board, Elected Board Member of
International Cricket Council, Vice President of Asian Cricket Council and the Director of
the illustrious Khimji Ramdas Group. He was accompanied by his wife, Madam Alka Khimji.
Distinguished dignitaries included Mr. Kiran Asher, CEO Al Ansari Group of Companies and
esteemed member of the Education Cell, Mr. Alkesh Joshi, honorary president of ISWK,
Mrs. Gargi Chugh, honorary president of the ISWK International, M P Vinoba, Sr. Principal
& Education Advisor Board of Directors Indian Schools in Oman, members of SMCs of other
Indian schools in Oman, members of the Education Cell, esteemed members of the Ministry
of Education; distinguished members of the Indian Merchant Community , esteemed
members of the School Managing Committee of ISWK and ISWK -I, Principals of other Indian
Schools , special invitees and parents were among the guests present.

The program commenced with the lighting of the ceremonious lamp and was followed by
renditions of the national anthems of Oman and India.

The gathering was addressed by the honorary president of ISWK, Mr. Alkesh Joshi. In his
speech he gratefully acknowledged the valuable contributions of Late Shri Kanaksi Khimji
to the school and shared his experience of working with him for the education of all the
needy children. A short video on his life was also presented before the august gathering
which received a thunderous applause from the audience. Mr. Alkesh Joshi acquainted the
gathering about the prestigious Shri Kanaksi Khimji Scholarship (KKS) for students who
excel in academics or games & sports or co-scholastic activities. This merit based and need
based scholarship is the first of its kind to be offered among community schools in the
Sultanate of Oman. In his address he praised the efforts of the teachers and the students
for making the school one of the most sought-after Indian School in Oman. He also
expressed his gratitude to all the devoted parents for their overwhelming response that
serves as a testament of their trust and confidence in the institution.

ISWK has been fortunate to have a team of very dedicated members in the managing
committee who have been instrumental in making ISWK what it is today. Their tireless
efforts and uncompromising policies have gone a long way in taking the school, step by
step, to ever greater heights. The Chief Guest felicitated past School Managing Committee
Members who have served in various capacities.

The most awaited moment was the felicitation of the teaching and non-teaching staff – an
acknowledgment of the notable services of all those dedicated and committed staff who
completed 10,15,20,25 and 30 noteworthy years of service at IWSK. The Principal, Mr. D N
Rao, who served the institution for a decade, was the first person to receive the certificate
and memento. The Chief Guest gave away certificates and mementos and appreciated the
awardees who had given their heart and soul to the amelioration of the institution and the
students.

The highlight of this year’s Founder’s Day program was the Musical Drama ‘Alibaba and the
Forty Thieves’ performed by the students of ISWK. The budding actors, dancers and
musicians of the Primary Wing enthralled the audience by their staging of the first two
scenes of the play, while the Senior School actors, dancers and musicians performed the
third and final scenes of the play. The innovative props, themed digital backdrops, fabulous
lightings, dazzling costumes, foot tapping music coupled with the zealous performance of
the students filled the ambience with liveliness and fun. Their stupendous presentation
enchanted the audience and transported them to a fantasy world.

The digital presentation of the annual report by the principal, Mr. D N Rao was a visual
treat taking the audience through the chronicles of activities, events, achievements and
accolades achieved by ISWK during the academic year 2021-2022.

On this momentous occasion His Excellency Pankaj Khimji addressed the gathering. In his
address His Excellency acknowledged the phenomenal academic and non-academic
excellence achieved by both students and staff not only in Oman but also across the region.
He reminded the audience about the humble beginnings of ISWK and spotlighted on the
enviable progress attained by the school over the years. In his address, His Excellency
commented that education is the greatest gift to mankind and the greatest form of charity.
He wished every staff and student the best for their future endeavours and urged them to
fly high to reach their goals.

In the latter segment of the program, the Chief Guest gave away special achievement
awards to those individuals who worked tirelessly for the school , brought laurels and
upheld the name of the school. Mrs. Jennifer Robinson, head of the department of Science
at ISWK, who is the recipient of the prestigious CBSE Honour for Excellence in Teaching and
School Leadership among 27 countries outside India, was honoured with a standing ovation
by the august gathering. Mrs. Asha Mohan, Activity Coordinator of the Primary Wing who
won the M.S Subbulakshmi Sangeet Samman of 2020, was also felicitated. Miss Akshaya
Ayyappan of Class 12 who secured the All India Rank (AIR) 406 and First Rank for Outside
India in the National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET) was honored. The significant
achievements of students in the curricular and co-curricular domains and various other
activities held during the academic year 2021 – 22 were appreciated by the honourable
Chief Guest. Master Lael Alva and Master Shyam Nair, winners of the senior category of
the ‘The Times of Oman Inter-School Quiz 2022′, Master Pavan Sundar and Miss Khushi
Derai, the best team at the ‘Ambassador’s Polemic Challenge 2022’ , and Master Shashwat
Singh of Class 8 who was honoured by Stem and Space at Trivandrum, Master Jijo Joy, who
participated in the 50t h International Chess Federation Tournament were also felicitated
on the occasion. The class X and XII subject toppers of the CBSE Board examination were
also honoured on the occasion.

As a token of appreciation, the Chief Guest was presented with a memento by Mr. Alkesh
Joshi, the honorary president of the school managing committee. His Excellency Pankaj
Khimji also felicitated the Ashoka House members for winning the coveted Cock House
trophy in the current academic year.

The talented actors, dancers and musicians of ISWK senior school gave a mesmerizing
performance as they performed the concluding scene of the play ‘Alibaba and Forty
Thieves. The evening came to an end with the vibrant and pulsating grand finale in which
all the participants joined in and it was indeed a sight to behold!

It was a memorable evening for the children who put up this grand show and for guests
and parents who witnessed it. The meticulous planning of the teachers, the hard work of
the students and the continuous supervision of the Principal Mr. D N Rao, culminated into
a successful and an unforgettable evening