MUSCAT : Indian School Al Maabela celebrated India’s 78th Independence Day with grandeur, marked by a series of events that highlighted the rich cultural heritage of India and a commitment to environmental sustainability. The event was graced by His Excellency Amit Narang, Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman, as the Chief Guest. He was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Divya Narang.

The day also witnessed the presence of several distinguished dignitaries, including Mr. Jayapal Dethe, Second Secretary, Embassy of India, Dr. Sivakumar Manickam, Chairman, Board of Directors of Indian Schools in Oman; Mr. Syed Salman, Vice Chairman, BoD and Director-in-Charge, ISAM; Mr. Krishnendhu S, Chairperson of the Grievance Committee, BoD and Director-in-Charge, ISAM; Mr. Vinoba MP, Senior Principal and Education Advisor, BoD; Mr. Shamim Hussain, President, SMC, ISAM; Dr Vikas Rao, Convenor, Mr Syed Najeeb Rafiq, chairperson, PSC, along with other esteemed SMC Members. The Social Sc Dept of ISAM presented an Art Gallery which showcased India’s freedom struggle from 1857 to 1947.

The event commenced with an auspicious tree plantation drive under the initiative ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam,’ a step towards a greener tomorrow. The school ground resonated with the Royal Oman Anthem and the Indian National Anthem, setting a patriotic tone for the day.

The celebration continued with a vibrant March Past by students from seven Indian schools in the capital, showcasing their discipline, coordination, and pride in their respective institutions. After receiving the Guard of Honour, the Chief Guest, His Excellency Amit Narang in his address, commended the efforts of the students and the school, emphasizing the importance of cultural plurality, which is vividly reflected in India’s diverse traditions, languages, and festivals. His words underscored the unity in diversity that defines the nation and reverberated with India’s Independence Day theme of ‘Viksit Bharat’. He spoke about the aspirations of the Indian populace and highlighted how the nation is focused on progress and development. The Chief Guest was also felicitated with a memento, acknowledging his role as a beacon of inspiration to young and old alike.

A milestone moment of the event was the international record setting Cultural Amalgamation of Music, Dance, and Art, where a whopping two-thousand plus students of Indian School Al Maabela, from grades 1 to 12, embarked on a journey through India’s multifaceted identity. This segment was not just a celebration of India’s rich cultural tapestry but also an attempt to set a record in the International Book of Records. The first performance, titled “Bharat Anokhaa Raag hai,” featured a symphony of movement and melody, with 15 distinct tracks representing various Indian states and their traditional dance forms, from Bhangra to Bharatnatyam, capturing the essence of India’s artistic diversity.

The record making efforts progressed with the event of unveiling of portraits of 15 national leaders who were instrumental in India’s freedom struggle. The honourable adjudicator for the International Book of Records, Mr. Arvinder Singh Bhatti, during his address, announced the successful completion of the record attempt, adding to the day’s triumphs. Mr. Parveen Kumar, Principal, ISAM, delivered the vote of thanks, where he expressed deep gratitude to the parents, students, staff, and stakeholders for their vital support in achieving the milestone of entering the International Book of Records. He also extended his appreciation to the capital schools for their participation in this historic occasion. The celebrations culminated with the recital of the school anthem.