MUSCAT : The Navin Asher Kazi Awards for Excellence in Teaching 2025–26 was held with great solemnity and grandeur under the aegis of the Board of Directors, Indian Schools Oman, hosted by Indian School Muscat (ISM) on Wednesday, 28 January 2026 in its school premises. This 16^th edition of the Award ceremony celebrated the exemplary contributions of educators across the Indian Schools in Oman, reaffirming the central role of teachers in shaping future generations.

The ceremony was graced with the august presence of Shri Himanshu Gupta, IAS, Secretary, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), New Delhi, India, as the Chief Guest, and Dr. Khadeeja Ali Mohammed Al Salami, Director General, Private Schools, Ministry of Education, Sultanate of Oman, as the Guest of Honour.

The event was graced by the presence of the Special Guests, Dr. Ram Shankar, Professor & Director, CBSE Regional Office & Centre of Excellence, Dubai, UAE and Ms. Kawthar bint Khalifa bin Khamas Al Sulaimani, Assistant Director – International Schools Office, Ministry of Education, Sultanate of Oman.

The function was graced by the presence of Mr. Kiran Asher and family, distinguished patrons of the Award; Mr.Syed Ahmad Salman, Chairman, Board of Directors, Indian Schools Oman, Vice Chairman Mr. Harshendu Shah, along with other esteemed members of the Board of Directors of Indian Schools Oman; Presidents and Principals of various Indian schools; as well as the Teacher Awardees of the Awards for Excellence in Teaching and their families.

The distinguished guests toured the commemorative photo gallery celebrating five decades of Indian School Muscat, exploring a curated collection that highlighted the school’s rich history and milestones. They also inaugurated a special exhibition by the students of ISM, where young learners proudly displayed and explained their hand-made exhibits, including models, artwork inspired by Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), India, initiatives, and intricately crafted sculptures, reflecting creativity, skill, and the school’s commitment to experiential learning.

In his introductory address, Mr.Syed Ahmad Salman, Chairman, Board of Directors, Indian Schools Oman underscored that “Every teacher is a Winner” , highlighting the immeasurable and lifelong impact teachers have on students’ academic, emotional and personal development. He highlighted that teachers, as bearers of this noble profession, they are the guiding force and lifeline for every learner, nurturing character, values, and aspirations. He lauded the progressive programs introduced by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), India, aiming to enhance educational standards and prepare students to become future-ready global citizens.

The Keynote Address on this occasion was delivered by the honourable Chief-Guest Shri Himanshu Gupta, IAS, Secretary, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), India. In his address, Shri Himanshu Gupta IAS highlighted the ancient maritime and trade relations between India and Oman, describing Oman as India’s oldest strategic partner in the Gulf region. He noted that this historic relationship has evolved into a comprehensive partnership, recently strengthened through the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in December 2025. He congratulated the Indian School System in Oman on the celebration of 50 years of Indian Education in the Sultanate, commending it as an anchor and guiding light for the Indian diaspora, preserving their cultural roots while contributing meaningfully to Oman’s development. He described teachers as the architects and heartbeats of students, and stressed the importance of inquiry-based learning and the integration of 21st century skills to prepare learners for a rapidly evolving global landscape.

The ceremony culminated with the felicitation of the Navin Asher Kazi Awardees for Excellence in Teaching 2025–26, recognizing outstanding educators for their exemplary contribution. The Teacher Awardees in different categories are:- Mrs. Roxanna Ann Rafferty (Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir) and Mrs. Khan Sameena Mannan (Indian School Darsait) in the Foundation Stage; Mrs. Sindhu Rajgopal (Indian School Muscat) and Mrs. Bindu Ranjit (Indian School Darsait) in the Preparatory Stage; Mrs. Aswathy Chandran (Indian School Al Maabela) and Mrs. Preethi J. V. Nair (Indian School Muscat) in the Middle School category; Mr. T. K. Narayanankutty (Indian School Salalah) and Mrs. Ambily Raju (Indian School Muladha) in the Senior School category; and Mr. Ishwar Deshmukh (Indian School Salalah) and Mr. Shibas P. B. (Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir) in the Co-Scholastic Category.

In addition to the above, sixty-five teachers in different categories were given Certificates of Recognition for their outstanding contribution to the field of teaching. Mr.Amar Srivastava, Principal, Indian School Darsait was recognized for his long services rendered to the Indian schooling system. Dr. Sandhya.N.S of Indian School Jalan was felicitated for obtaining Ph.D. for her research in Malayalam Literature.

A special highlight of the evening was the launch of Indian School Muscat’s “ISM@50 Souvenir”, commemorating the school’s remarkable 50-year journey since its establishment in 1975. The souvenir beautifully chronicles the school’s milestones, achievements, and its enduring contributions to the educational development of the Indian community in Oman. The release was ceremoniously unveiled by the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour, in the gracious presence of the Special Guests, Chairman- BoD, Indian Schools, Mr.Vinoba.M.P, Education Advisor, BoD-Indian Schools, Dr. Kiran G. R., President of the School Management Committee, Indian School Muscat, and Mr. Rakesh Joshi, Principal of Indian School Muscat.

The evening’s cultural programme was a vibrant showcase of talent and inclusivity, featuring singing and dancing performances by the students of Care and Special Education. The celebrations also included a welcome choreography and a spectacular UV light dance performance by the students of Indian School Muscat ,creatively highlighting the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) India’s key initiatives, reflecting their positive impact on student development.

The Navin Asher Kazi Awards Ceremony stood as a powerful tribute to the teaching fraternity, reaffirming the Indian Schools Oman’s enduring commitment to excellence, innovation, inclusivity, and the transformative power of education.