Indian School Salalah celebrated the 54th National Day of Oman with unparalleled zeal and patriotic fervor. Spearheaded by the Arabic Department in collaboration with the Omani staff, the occasion was a heartfelt tribute to the Sultanate's illustrious heritage, cultural identity and remarkable achievements under the visionary leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. The school premises was transformed into a vibrant tableau of patriotism, adorned with Omani flags, intricate traditional motifs and vivid decorations. The atmosphere resonated with a profound sense of pride and unity, setting the stage for two days of commemorative celebrations.
The festivities commenced on 18th November 2024, with the Kindergarten section and Classes 1 and 2 leading the celebrations. The Kindergarten event began with a warm welcome speech by Omani teacher Ms. Wafa, whose encouraging words set the tone for the day. The youngest learners, trained meticulously by the Omani staff, delighted the audience with two vibrant traditional Omani dances and a lively fashion show showcasing traditional Omani attire. The beautifully decorated backdrop, featuring flags and traditional handicrafts, added to the festive ambience. Principal Mr. Deepak Patankar addressed the gathering, extending heartfelt National Day wishes and applauding the tireless efforts of the teachers in creating a memorable experience for the students.
Simultaneously, Classes 1 and 2 celebrated the day with enthusiasm and creativity. Conducted as an indoor assembly the event began with warm greetings and a brief address highlighting the significance of Oman’s National Day. The students passionately sang Oman’s National Song, filling the room with pride and joy. The celebrations concluded with a creative colouring activity where students expressed their admiration for Oman through artistic representations. This simple yet meaningful celebration left an indelible impression on the young learners.
On 19th November 2024, the grandeur of the celebrations unfolded as Classes 3 to 12 paid tribute to Oman’s legacy with cultural richness and historical reverence. The event commenced with a solemn recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, setting a serene and reflective tone. Students from Classes 7 and 8, who have opted for Arabic as a second language, delivered an inspiring bilingual speech in Arabic and English. Their eloquent words celebrated Oman’s glorious history, its extraordinary progress and the visionary aspirations of Oman 2040. The cultural segment featured a mesmerizing Omani folk dance performed by students, which enthralled the audience. A melodious group song in Arabic by students of Classes 3 and 4 paid tribute to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. The event’s captivating performances continued with a patriotic group dance by Class 4 students and a soul-stirring Omani song by Classes 7 and 8, which left the audience spellbound. A variety of engaging activities were organized for the students of Classes 3 and 4, including the creation of a beautiful collage with thumb impressions from students and teachers featuring Oman’s flag.
The President of the School Management Committee, Dr. Abubacker Siddique, addressed the gathering with a poignant speech, extending warm greetings to the Omani community and expressing his gratitude for their unwavering hospitality and support toward the expatriate community. Principal Mr. Deepak Patankar followed with an address that resonated with gratitude and admiration for Oman’s cultural legacy, particularly acknowledging the invaluable contributions of the Omani staff. The celebrations concluded on a sweet note with the distribution of traditional Omani delicacies such as Halwa, Kahwa symbolizing Oman’s rich culture of hospitality and generosity. The day culminated with the singing of the National Anthems of Oman and India, encapsulating the spirit of unity and mutual respect.