Doctor by profession, philanthropist by practice and leader of Indian diaspora in Oman by popular choice for 26 years in a row — that’s Dr. Satish Nambiar, in short. How he manages these demanding, diverse roles with aplomb is a matter of great amusement for others and pure joy for him.

Dr. Satish Nambiar, Chairman of the Indian Social Club (ISC), is a prominent personality among Indian diaspora in Oman. He has been instrumental in enriching many a life in the Indian community through his altruistic work under the auspices of ISC.

Hailing from Mahe, a small town in Mahe district of Pondicherry Union Territory, Dr. Nambiar grew up in Mangalore. A medical graduate from the Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, he arrived in Oman in 1981 and began his career that spanned nearly four decades.

Philanthropic by nature, he has been active in the social arena from his college days and busy at the forefront of working for the betterment of society in any way he can.

ISC gave Dr. Nambiar the ideal platform in Oman, and he joined it in 1984. He has served in different roles as a sports secretary, vice-secretary, general secretary, vice-president, president and chairman. He has been re-elected as chairman for 26 years consecutively, and this undoubtedly speaks of his excellence in leading the organisation.

ISC has undertaken an assortment of social welfare work such as sports and cultural activities, aiding victims of natural disasters, and helping people in dire necessities. The team has assisted in facilitating help to the survivors of the earthquake in Gujarat, the tsunami in Tamil Nadu, the floods in Uttarakhand and Gonu in Muscat.

Despite his busy work schedule, he often found time for social work. “It has been hectic but satisfying. There have been occasions when certain selfish interests attempted to disrupt our activities, but when people realise the good intentions behind the cause, they eventually come to support you.

When the situation arises, we do not sit and think; we just do whatever that needs to be done. There is no question of doubt about the action; we look at it and take the shortest circuit.”

Recently, during the COVID-19 situation, Dr. Nambiar led the efforts to distribute ration kits to the needy and unemployed, arranged 39 repatriation flights for the stranded expatriates, and organised the donation of 550 units of blood in six weeks at the behest of the Health Ministry.
He recalls a heart-warming experience: “Recently, we helped those who were stranded here without a job or accommodation as a result of the pandemic to go home, and they were in tears with gratitude. I felt immense joy in having helped them.”

He considers Oman a heaven on earth for the expatriates. He feels it is a wonderful place to stay, and as in every country the younger generation has to be proactive to ring in a brighter future.He urged the youth to do more.

“You cannot do good at all times. But do whatever little you can do because the happiness you receive is incomparable.”

Dr. Satish Nambiar