On the pleasant Khareef afternoon of 18 August 2026, Indian School Salalah accorded a warm welcome to His Excellency Shri Prashant Pise, Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman, during his visit to the school for an enriching interactive session with the students of Grades XI and XII. The occasion provided a unique opportunity for the students to engage with a distinguished figure in diplomacy and gain valuable insights from his vast experience.

His Excellency was warmly received at the Primary Block by the School Head Girl, Ms. Zaina Fathima, and Deputy Head Girl, Ms. Surya Unnikrishnan, and was escorted by the Scouts and Guides. He interacted with the CSE students at the Wellness Centre, who presented him with a bouquet and a frankincense gift set as a gesture of respect and affection. He then toured the KG Toy Room, Activity Room and the classrooms of the Primary Block, taking a keen interest in the activities and engaging warmly with the young learners and staff.

His Excellency then proceeded to the Main Block for an interactive session with the students of Grades XI and XII. He was cordially received by the President of the School Management Committee, Dr. Syed Ahsan Jamil, and the Principal, Mr. Deepak Patankar, who welcomed him with a bouquet.

The programme commenced with a prayer song, followed by a melodious welcome song, setting a warm and gracious tone for the proceedings.

Dr. Syed Ahsan Jamil, President of the School Management Committee, then delivered a brief introduction to His Excellency, highlighting his three-decade-long diplomatic journey and the several significant positions he has held during his distinguished career. The introduction was particularly inspiring for the students as they learned that His Excellency also holds a B.Tech degree in Electronics and Telecommunication, offering them an encouraging example of how a strong academic foundation can lead to diverse and accomplished professional pursuits.

An audio-visual presentation was then screened, providing the audience with an insightful overview of His Excellency’s distinguished diplomatic career, key responsibilities, and notable achievements. This was followed by an inspiring address in which His Excellency shared valuable insights from his extensive diplomatic experience and offered meaningful guidance and encouragement to the students.

The address was followed by a highly engaging interactive session, during which students had the opportunity to pose questions directly to the Ambassador. Their thoughtful queries were met with insightful responses, reflecting His Excellency’s extensive experience and knowledge. He spoke about the need for offshore campuses in Oman, addressed misconceptions about India and emphasised the responsibility of citizens to remain vigilant and counter misleading narratives while highlighting India’s identity as the world’s largest democracy. Responding to questions on the UPSC and public service, His Excellency appreciated the students’ interest and shared valuable insights from his own experience. He also touched upon the role of the private sector and stressed the importance of discerning reliable information in an age of abundant digital content.

The School Head Girl, Ms. Zaina Fathima, subsequently presented the key takeaways from the session, reflecting on the important lessons and messages shared by His Excellency. The enriching interaction provided the students with valuable insights and a broader perspective on a wide range of contemporary issues.

As a token of appreciation and gratitude, Dr. Syed Ahsan Jamil, President of the School Management Committee, and Mr. Deepak Patankar, Principal, presented His Excellency with a traditional shawl and a memento. In a reciprocal gesture of appreciation, His Excellency presented a memento to the President of the School Management Committee and the Principal, honouring the school and marking the occasion with a gesture of goodwill. The memorable programme concluded with a formal vote of thanks by the Principal.

The gathering was graced by the presence of several distinguished dignitaries, including Dr. Rakesh Jha, President of the Indian Social Club; Dr. Sanathanan, Honorary Consular Agent at the Embassy of India; Dr. Shaji P. Sreedhar, Treasurer-SMC; Dr. Abubaker Siddique, former President and Member-SMC; and the Vice Principals, Mr. Mammikutty and Mrs. Ambika Padmanabhan.

His Excellency’s visit left a lasting impression on the students, inspiring them to pursue knowledge, uphold strong values and face the future with confidence and a global perspective.

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