The 76th Republic Day celebration at Indian School Salalah was a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of patriotism and cultural brilliance. The school community came together on January 26, 2025, to commemorate the momentous occasion of India’s adoption of its Constitution.

The festivities commenced with a warm welcome address by Miss Priyal followed by the National Anthems of Oman and India. The celebration was further enriched by the insightful speeches delivered by young students from the Preparatory Stage. Miss Abigail, Master Nirmay, and Miss Reonsha eloquently articulated the significance of Republic Day, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. Miss Priyal of 6B delivered a mesmerizing speech in Hindi, highlighting the importance of the day and capturing the audience’s attention through her brilliant eloquence.

Dr. Abubacker Siddique, the esteemed President of the School Management Committee, delivered an inspiring address that resonated deeply with the audience. He emphasized the historical significance of Republic Day, highlighting the foundational principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution. He extended his gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tariq for his benevolence and unwavering support to the Indian diaspora in Oman. He concluded his address with a powerful message, encouraging students to “Dream, dream, dream,” echoing the words of the visionary Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.

In his address, Mr. Deepak Patankar, the school Principal, emphasized the importance of active citizenship and urged everyone to fulfil their fundamental duties as enshrined in the Constitution. Mr. Patankar then provided valuable insights into the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and highlighted the critical need for holistic education by extending the foundational stage to 15 years of schooling. He emphasized the importance of the ‘Baal Vatika’ concept of early childhood education. Furthermore, Mr. Patankar highlighted that teachers would play the crucial role of facilitators, guiding and nurturing students’ journey of learning. Finally, he urged all parents to actively contribute towards the school’s progress, fostering a collaborative environment that supports the holistic development of every child.

The cultural performances were a highlight of the celebration. The school choir captivated the audience with soulful renditions of patriotic songs like “Rang aisa bharo” and “Lehhratha hai parcham,” igniting a sense of national pride and unity. The stage then came alive with a mesmerizing dance performance by the students, their graceful movements and rhythmic expressions captivating the attention of the entire audience.

The celebration was further embellished with the felicitation of the outstanding student, Miss Sadia Katoon having secured 98% in the class XII CBSE board examinations held in 2024, she was recognized as the 2nd topper in the Sultanate of Oman by the CBSE Gulf Sahodaya in the Principal’s conference in Hyderabad recently.  This exceptional academic achievement was celebrated, with her proud father receiving the award on her behalf.

The celebration also recognized and celebrated outstanding individual achievements. Mr. Ishwar Deshmukh, PGT-Physical Education Teacher, an inspiration to all, was presented with a memento for his extraordinary feat of completing a 54 km walkathon from Salalah to Mughsail. Ms. Jayasree Satheesh, with 15 years of unwavering commitment, and Ms. Dharna Garg, with a decade-long service to the school, were bestowed with long service awards, recognizing their invaluable contributions to the institution.

The competitive spirit of the school was evident in the awarding of CCA trophies. Sapphire House emerged victorious in the Junior category with 206 points, while Amber House clinched the top position in the Senior category with 126 points. The Emerald House bagged the second position in both categories with 176 and 109 points, respectively. The coveted Life Skills Trophy in the Senior category was awarded to Emerald House.

The celebration concluded with  vote of thanks by Miss Sreenidhi, expressing gratitude to all who contributed to the success of this momentous occasion. The 76th Republic Day celebration at Indian School Salalah was not merely an event; it served as a reminder of India’s rich heritage and its aspirations for a bright and prosperous future.