MUSCAT : Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir (ISWK) celebrated the 32nd Founders’ Day on 4^th December, 2021. The theme was “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav” celebrating 75  glorious years of India’s independence and the 51^st National Day of Oman. ISWK  was privileged and honored to have His Excellency, Shri Amit Narang, Ambassador  of India to the Sultanate of Oman as the Chief Guest for the programme. 

Along with His Excellency, Shri Amit Narang other distinguished guests such as  Sheikh Anil Khimji, Mr. Kiran Asher, Mr. Rajendra Ved, Mr. Alkesh Joshi, other  esteemed members of the School Management Committee, members of the  Education Cell, esteemed guests, parents, students and staff members were  welcomed online by the lighting of the ceremonious lamp which was followed by a rendition of the national anthems of Oman and India. An enticing cultural  programme was initiated with a mesmerizing dance sequence by the students of the  Senior Wing titled “VANDE MATARAM- Mother, I bow to Thee’’, which took the  audience’s heart away with its perfectly synchronized and graceful moves! 

Founders’ Day at ISWK is traditionally a very important day when the school  management committee felicitates students for academic excellence (toppers of the  Class X & XII Board Examinations), staff for their long association with the school  (30/25/20/15/10 years of service) and also gives an opportunity to the student  community to showcase their talent though a plethora of impressive cultural items. 

The gathering was addressed by Mr. Alkesh Joshi, honorary president of the School  Management Committee of ISWK who paid tribute to Late Sheikh Kanaksi Khimji,  founder of ISWK for his support to the noble cause of educating children in Oman.  He lauded the efforts of the school toppers and subject toppers who proved their  academic prowess in the CBSE examinations conducted in 2020. He also highlighted  the success of AVENIR-2021, the career guidance programme hosted by ISWK under the aegis of the Board of Directors, Indian Schools in Oman which went global  for the first time with an astounding online registration of 10,000 attendees and  participation from 20 countries.  

In the next segment of the impressive programme, the Hindustani Music Choir and  Orchestra of the senior school presented a beautiful melody titled “Ruko Nahi …  Bade Chalo….” motivating all to be the light in other’s darkness no matter what the  challenges. Thereafter, the teaching and non-teaching staff were felicitated for their 

long association with the school – 30/25/20/15/10 years of dedicated service to the  school. Four teachers namely Mrs. Varsha Jaisimha of Kindergarten, Mrs. Asha Mohan, Mrs. Ambika Padmanabhan and Mr. Shifas Bawa of the Primary Wing, recipients of the coveted Navin Asher Kazi Awards for Excellence in Teaching organized by the Board of Directors , Indian Schools in Oman in 2020-21 were also felicitated by the school. 

The Principal, Mr. D N Rao presented the Annual Report for 2020-21 triggering  recollection of all the milestones achieved by ISWK from 1941 to 2021,  emphasizing on the changes in the field of education that was met by ISWK with  continuous upgrading to the latest strategies, technologies and infrastructure. He also  applauded the all-round distinction of ISWK in various fields and the commendable  position the school continues to enjoy in the education sector in Muscat despite the  pandemic. Following the presentation of the Principal’s Report, an enticing  enactment- “Bharatiya Shiksha Pranali- Prachin se Arvachin tak” depicting the  evolution of education system in India was showcased by the primary section. 

On this momentous occasion His Excellency, Shri Amit Narang, the ambassador of  India to the Sultanate of Oman addressed the gathering with appreciation for  celebrating ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ with such grandeur. He acknowledged the  exceptional academic and non-academic excellence achieved by both students and  staff. He stressed on the ability of the school to ‘meet the challenge of producing  students fit for the future’ and highlighted on three abilities necessary for meeting  this challenge- “Ability to Adapt, Ability to Communicate and the Need for imbibing essential Human Values.” 

Next, it was the turn of the school toppers and subject toppers of classes X and XII  in the CBSE examinations, conducted in 2020-21, to be felicitated. It was indeed a  proud moment for ISWK as both the Science topper (ASFAQ JALAL  MOHAMED ABBAS NISHA) and Commerce Topper (VIDUSHI JAGNANI)  have secured the third position in Oman.  

In the final segment of the evening’s programme, it was a delight to watch the tiny  tots of Kindergarten perform “Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat”, a dance ensemble with  aplomb and finesse which instilled patriotic fervor in the audience. Next followed  the presentation of awards to the special achievers of ISWK who have excelled in  various fields and made ISWK proud.  

The cultural programmes of the fun-filled evening came to an end with a pleasurable  performance “NESW: Song without Words” presented by the Western Music Choir 

of the senior school depicting the forms of musical sound from the calm and serene  to the wild and energetic, drawing a resemblance to our motherland. 

A spectacular video on the vibrant ABLE team of ISWK, the Counselling  Department which makes a difference in every student’s life by giving emotional  and mental support as well as bridging learning gaps through enriching activities.  

The curtain was drawn on yet another magnificent evening by students of the  Primary Wing who on behalf of the School Management Committee expressed their  gratitude to all by proposing the Vote of Thanks.  

Short videos depicting “Bhinnesvaikyasya darsanam” (even in difference, see the  unity) was interspersed between the other items in seven phases, each phase  depicting a decade since India’s independence, keeping to the theme and marking  India’s uniqueness among all the nations of the world.  

The pulsating and engaging programme ended on a euphoric and joyful mood. The  Principal and SMC members wished the students of classes X and XII to give their  best to the ongoing Term 1 Examinations conducted by CBSE.