The Annual Day celebrations of Indian School Salalah, held on Friday, 13^th December 2024, unfolded as a magnificent symphony of talent, passion, and boundless creativity. Set against the enchanting backdrop of the school premises, the event showcased the vibrant spirit and artistic brilliance of the students.

The event was graced by Mr. Syed Salman, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors for Indian Schools in Oman, as the chief guest, and Mr. Sirajudeen Nhelat, Director-in-Charge, Indian School Salalah Director-BOD as the guest of honour.

The formal part of the evening began with a solemn prayer song by the school choir, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. Nurturing a sense of unity and respect, the National Anthems of Oman and India were played. The evening’s highlight was the Students’ Council’s inspiring presentation of the theme, “Our Guiding Values: Commitment, Sincerity, Integrity, Sensitivity, and Discipline.” Through this thoughtful portrayal, they emphasized how these core values form the very foundation of the school, guiding students in shaping their future. Dr. Abubacker Siddique, President of the School Management Committee, extended a warm welcome to the distinguished gathering.

Reflecting ISS’s commitment to excellence, a video presentation highlighted its journey since 1981, showcasing the infrastructural growth and future aspirations. Presented by SMC President Dr. Abubacker Siddique and Principal Mr. Deepak Patankar, the video took the audience through the school’s progress over the years. Principal Mr.Deepak Patankar and the President of SMC Dr. Abubacker Siddique  addressed the parents, sharing the need for a new building to support the growing student population and continue providing a strong educational experience.

Principal Mr. Deepak Patankar introduced the chief guest, Mr. Syed Salman, to the gathering. Mr. Syed Salman while addressing the gathering, spoke about the fast-changing world, emphasizing that the future belongs to those who can adapt. He highlighted the importance of a dynamic mix of skills like creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. To parents, he urged: “Let your children have wings to fly; do not impose your ambitions on them. Allow them to manifest their own path.”

Vice Principal Mr. Mammikutty then introduced the guest of honour Mr. Sirajudeen Nhelat who in his speech mentioned annual day is not only a day for celebration, but an opportunity to reflect on how well we are preparing children to face future challenges. He highlighted the role of AI in education, encouraging students to embrace change with an open mind and curiosity, and to work towards making the world a better place to live.

As a gesture of gratitude and appreciation, Dr. Abubacker Siddique and Principal Mr. Deepak Patankar presented mementoes to chief guest Mr. Syed Salman and guest of honour Mr. Sirajudeen Nhelat.

The grand prize and award ceremony commenced with the presentation of the CCA prizes. ‘Outstanding best performer award’ were proudly awarded to Sreenidhi B. of VI-F (Sub-Junior), Aarav Malviya of VIII-A (Junior), and Advaith Manoj of XI-C (Senior). It further continued by honouring outstanding contributions to the school , with Mr. Shaji V., Head of the Malayalam Department, being recognized for 27 years of dedicated service. Miss Zaina Fathima of class X-B was felicitated as the Outstanding Achiever in ISS inter school victories, while Mr. K. J. Yesudas, a parent, was recognized for his efforts in ensuring smooth traffic control. Additionally, Mr. Ishwar Deshmukh, the Physical Education teacher, was lauded for completing an impressive 54-kilometer wellness walk from Salalah to Mughsail.

The ceremony also highlighted the tireless dedication of the school’s staff. Several teaching and non-teaching staff, including Omani personnel, were felicitated for their long-term service spanning 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, and 10 years.

Led by the dedicated Accreditation Coordinator, Mr. Binoy C. A., the NABET core team, along with other members, was honoured with a Certificate of Appreciation for their exceptional efforts and commitment in achieving remarkable scores in the surveillance inspection.

The chief guest, Mr. Syed Salman, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors for Indian Schools in Oman, Guest of honour-Mr. Sirajudeen Nhelat, Director-in-Charge, Indian School Salalah, President Dr. Abubacker Siddique, esteemed members of the school management committee and Principal Mr.Deepak Patankar presented the awards in the award ceremony.

The students, dressed in vibrant costumes and portraying various characters, showcased their talents through a captivating cultural performance, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening. The event began with a mesmerizing semi-classical dance, Chayamukhi, performed by the senior students, followed by a heartfelt dance by the students of the Centre for Special Education, which earned thunderous applause. Tiny tots from the kindergarten added to the vibrancy with a delightful medley of contemporary and folk dances, celebrating the rich cultural diversity of Indian states.

Students from the middle section performed to the rhythm of a traditional Bihu song, capturing the essence of Indian folk melodies and evoking cultural pride. This momentum continued with Symphony of Change, a captivating musical play brought to life by students of classes I and II. The contemporary dance Rhythmic Unity demonstrated how understanding and compassion can help us embrace differences, while the Malayalam performance, Sangeethashilppam – Nature is Our Gift, emphasized the deep connection between humans and the environment.

The musical event Euphonic Insight featured an array of harmonious tunes, highlighting the students’ musical talents. The Chumur song transported the audience to the heart of its native roots with vocal brilliance. The powerful mime, Live and Let Live, urged reflection on protecting the planet. The English skit The Last Leaf beautifully portrayed themes of commitment, hope, and sacrifice, earning heartfelt applause, while the Hindi skit, Macharon ki Vyatha, used humour to highlight the positive changes brought about by the Clean India Mission.

The evening’s vibrant performances also included a fusion dance by primary students representing the eastern states of India. This was followed by a lively Cultural Rajasthani Folk Dance that captured the essence of the state’s cultural richness through vibrant movements and energetic beats. A spirited dance segment, The Spirit of Sports, celebrated unity through sports. Senior students added a contemporary touch with an energetic Hip-Hop performance, concluding with a percussive symphony that electrified the audience with their exceptional rhythmic expertise.

A heartfelt vote of thanks was proposed by Mr. Yaser Mohammed M.V., Vice-President, SMC, recognizing the successful collaboration and dedication of all those involved in making the event a remarkable one. The event was a blend of art, culture, and passion, with performances showcasing dedication and teamwork. The theme, Our Guiding Values: Commitment, Sincerity, Integrity, Sensitivity, and Discipline, added depth to the evening. Special appreciation was extended to the comperes for their engaging coordination, which kept the audience captivated throughout the event. With 700 students from KG to senior classes participating, the celebration was truly memorable and impactful.