Thursday 28 / November / 2024
Muscat: ‘Synergy’, an annual event conducted by the Indian School Board for interacting with the members of the School Management Committees of Indian Schools across the Sultanate in order to underscore their concerted commitment in serving community through the education of the young.
The programme is being organised as part of the induction of the new members of the Management Committees of different Indian Schools. The ideas transpired on the occasion would acquaint the newly inducted members with their roles and responsibilities and enable them to be effective social leaders in the cause of education. As for the existing members, ‘Synergy’ would give them an opportunity to rededicate themselves in their commitment to the voluntary service in the over-all development of the schools.
‘Synergy 2022’ was inaugurated by Chairman Dr Sivakumar Manickam in the presence of Vice Chairman Syed Salman, Finance Director Ashwini Sawrikar and the other esteemed members on the Board.
The Board has also launched an ‘Integrated Recruitment Portal for Indian Schools’ which is expected to streamline and facilitate staff recruitment processes in schools.
The Chairman applauded the phenomenal growth of Indian Schooling system in Oman and thanked the yeomen services rendered by the Management Committees of the past and the present. “The journey that began 47 years ago with 135 students and 7 teachers in a rented building has grown from strength to strength and today we have 21 Schools across the Sultanate with 40,000 students and 2,000 staff, the largest community school network with unique features that stand as a model to educationists around the world”, recalled Dr. Manickam.
The Directors on the Board presented insights on the various aspects of School Management which would enable all the participants to work as a team for the holistic enhancement of the Indian Schooling System.
Syed Salman, Vice Chairman of Indian School Board, enumerated the growth of Indian Schools over the years and envisioned the way forward with a single objective of value based education of the young. Ashwini Sawrikar, the Finance Director of the Board, presented valuable information on judicious management of finances of the Schools.
Anuj Swarup, Second Secretary at the Embassy of India who is also a member on the Board of Directors, gave his perception of Indian Schooling system from a diplomat’s point of view. Sirajudeen Nhelat, the Academic Chair on the Board, has described how Indian Schools cater to the 21st century skills required for the holistic development of students by the different activities and initiatives of the Board.
Harshendu Shah, a senior member on the Board, enlightened the attendees with the rich legacy of Indian Schools in Oman and enlisted the contribution the management committee members of the past. Mr. Gajesh Dhariwal, Head of the Grievance Committee in the Board, explained the different levels of addressing the grievances of the employees.
Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) is an indispensable part of any organisation, particularly in educational institutions. The importance of maintaining a foolproof HSE was underscored by Devsing Patil, the Head of HSE sub-committee on the Board.
Insights on ‘Impact of VAT on Indian Schooling System’ was given by Alkesh Joshi, President of Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir. Sachin Toprani, President of Indian School Muscat Management Committee, discussed the influence of Information Technology in the Education System.
Highlighting the roles and responsibilities of the Management Committee in the effective running of Schools, Vinoba M.P., Senior Principal and Education Advisor to the Board of Directors, spoke on the relationship between SMC and school administration.
School Management Committees through their selfless service to the society not only ensure the sustainability of Indian Schools in Oman, but also sow the seeds of comradeship and empathy in the minds of generations to come through their kind association in the community development activities.
