Saturday 20 / April / 2024
Muscat: Oman mourns its beloved leader. The ace statesman was the heart and soul of the nation. It’s unbelievable that the architect of modern Oman is no more. Late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said bin Taimur heart used to beat for the common citizens and the development of Oman.
Since His Majesty’s ascension to power in 1970, Oman has witnessed almost five decades of peace, tranquility and continuous growth. His sudden demise has left a void that will take eons to be filled.
Despite his failing health, His Majesty never shied away from work and continued to discharge his duties, attended cabinet meetings and gave the audience to foreign dignitaries.
Even during his foreign visits for treatment, the visionary leader continued to discharge his duties with the same aplomb. Throughout his life, His Majesty focused on the uplift of have-nots, to make their lives more comfortable by providing them with basic necessities.
His Majesty’s love for citizens was such that in every speech he used to talk about improving their living standards and ensuring proper healthcare to them. Imparting quality education was his ‘elixir’ for improving their lot.
The opening of a number of schools, medical and engineering colleges, and other educational institutions are a testimony to his efforts.
To get a first-hand account of his development programmes, His Majesty used to take village tours, and interact with citizens of all ages for getting vital inputs.
His Majesty had his own inimitable style of working. A style that remains unmatched today. A seasoned diplomat to the core, His Majesty made the Sultanate of Oman an oasis of peace in the Middle East conflict zone.
The rumblings of Arab Spring had no ripple effect on Oman, thanks to His Majesty’s statesmanship.
Whether it’s brokering peace in the Iran nuclear deal or the Yemen peace initiative, Oman has always led from the front. The entire world praises Oman for its peaceful overtures. Under his wise leadership, Oman espoused the plight of Palestinians on every international forum. Whether it’s the release of hostages from the western world or the Third World countries, Oman always took the lead on the Royal directives and rescued them from dangerous conflict zones.
Medical facilities
On Royal orders, injured soldiers or civilians have been treated at the Omani medical facilities on humanitarian grounds.
Some people are born to rebuild their country and serve their citizens and His Majesty was one such person, who became immortal by leading Oman to the pinnacle of glory in five decades.
In nearly 50 years of his golden reign, Oman registered a growth that would have been impossible even in two centuries. The all-round development in Oman is a result of his hard work and farsighted policies. Though His Majesty is no more, he has left an indelible imprint that will remain in the minds of people for many generations to come.
