Tuesday 25 / June / 2024
Muscat: On the occasion of International Women's Day, the Embassy of India, Muscat hosted the 5th lecture in the 'Mandvi to Muscat' series, focusing on empowering narratives of diaspora women. Dr. Sandhya Rao Mehta, Associate Professor at Sultan Qaboos University, delivered the lecture.
Ms. Divya Narang, the spouse of Amit Narang, Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the Indian tradition of honouring women and their multifaceted roles. She linked this to ‘Ardhanarishvara’ in Indian tradition, symbolising gender harmony and advocating for shared responsibilities to foster inclusivity. Ms. Narang also celebrated the achievements of women in India, emphasising their invaluable contributions to society and the importance of embracing equality.
The lecture by Dr. Sandhya, titled 'Empowering Narratives of Women in the Historical Indian Community in Oman', garnered enthusiastic participation from a diverse audience, including members of the Indian community, Omanis of Indian origin, scholars, and distinguished guests.
Dr. Sandhya captivated the audience by delving into the rich tapestry of diaspora women's lives, tracing their historical journey and uncovering stories of triumph, resilience, and community building. Drawing from first-hand oral sources, she offered a unique perspective on their experiences, shedding light on the unwritten history of these remarkable women.
She meticulously detailed the history of Indian women in Oman, spanning from the early 20th century to the present day. She classified this journey into three distinct periods: ‘The Pioneers' who arrived in the early 20th century, 'The Settlers' from 1970-2000, and 'The Entrepreneurs' representing the present and beyond.
Dr.Sandhya also highlighted the impressive stories of diaspora women's public participation in Oman and recounted the engaging tale of diaspora women celebrating Indian independence on August 15th, 1947, in Muscat.
