Salalah – The Indian Social Club (ISC) Salalah organized a vibrant and patriotic celebration to mark India’s 80th Independence Day. The high-profile event brought together prominent Omani dignitaries, diplomats, community leaders and families to honor India’s freedom fighters and celebrate the enduring, multi-generational friendship between India and the Sultanate of Oman.
The event was graced by Chief Guest Mubarak Ahmed Shamas, Administrative Expert at the Wali Office Salalah. Joining as Guests of Honor were Sheikh Hisham Al Shanfari, Director of Istiqrar Group, and Ali Shahri, Sales Head of Al Baleed Resort.
Presiding over the function, ISC Salalah President Dr. Rakesh Kumar Jha extended his warmest wishes to the global Indian diaspora. In his keynote address, Dr. Jha conceptualized the Indian Social Club as a vital cultural and economic bridge between the two nations.
“The friendship between India and Oman is not merely a diplomatic relationship; it is a deep, people-to-people relationship built on centuries of trust, commerce, and mutual respect,” Dr. Jha stated. He urged the Indian diaspora to remain exemplary ambassadors of their motherland while actively contributing to Oman’s progressive development, respecting its laws, traditions and rich culture.
The presidential address also underscored a significant milestone in economic partnership—the activation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which is already driving trade growth and creating fresh bilateral commercial opportunities.
During the ceremony, Dr. Jha shared the Independence Day eve message from the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, emphasizing the duties of citizens in steering India’s progress across education, science, technology and infrastructure.
Key directives from His Excellency Shri Prashant Pise, Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman, were also shared, outlining the collective vision for Viksit Bharat -2047(Developed India). Significantly, the forum highlighted the fraternal ties between both nations by acknowledging the gracious greetings extended by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. His Majesty conveyed his sincere wishes for good health, progress, and prosperity to President Smt. Droupadi Murmu and the people of India. Furthermore, His Majesty expressed his steadfast commitment to nurturing the longstanding relations of strategic cooperation and bilateral partnership, charting a clear vision for continued growth and economic expansion across all key sectors between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of India.
ISC Salalah highlighted its role beyond cultural preservation by showcasing its active integration with local Omani ministries. Key initiatives mentioned include:
The celebration saw a massive turnout, supported by notable dignitaries including Dr. K. Sanathanan (Consular Agent at the Indian Embassy), Dr. Syed Ahsan Jameel (SMC President, Indian School Salalah), Principal Deepak Patankar of ISS, and Rassal Mohammed (President, Indian School Thumrait), along with executive members of various linguistic wings.
The evening came alive with a variety of patriotic cultural performances featuring enthusiastic participation from both children and adults.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Club Secretary Ranjit Singh and concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Vice President Sunny Jacob. The seamless execution of the event was coordinated by Cultural Secretary Dr. Praveen Kumar, Treasurer Gopakumar and Management committee members Hari Kumar D., Girish Peddineni, Khaja Aleemuddin, Abdul Salam, Ramesh Kumar and Suvarna Mahindrakar. Overall thank & appreciation has been announced by Dr. Rakesh Kumar Jha, the President of ISC Salalah.
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